After the Warriors lost to the Boston Celtics, Steve Kerr resonated with the millions of Warriors fans. Everybody wants Stephen Curry back. But the head coach revealed “he just needs more time”. A further re-evaluation proved that it’s going to be longer. The four-time NBA champion and former Finals MVP will be checked up again after ten days. Curry’s injury, diagnosed as a runner’s knee, requires such caution.

Dr. Nirav Pandya noted that recovery for patellofemoral syndrome isn’t “linear”. It means there isn’t any set of rehab or recovery that will help improve Curry’s knee. Everything comes down to rest, as it’s an ailment that occurs from extended activity and overexertion.

In his breakdown, Pandya wrote, “This is not surprising given the tricky nature of patellofemoral syndrome (with bone bruising as reported by the team). Unlike other conditions, the recovery is not linear. As it largely stems from overuse, pushing too quickly can lead to a flare up and more time missed”.

Stephen Curry has already missed the last ten games for the Warriors while recovering from his injury. His last game came on January 30, against the Detroit Pistons. That’s the game where the Baby Face Assassin chose to play through his knee discomfort for the sake of the Warriors.

With the current update, the Warriors will be without their ace for at least the next five games. Stephen Curry has been an effervescent force for the Bay this season. He’s averaging 27.2 points, his highest mark since 2023. In the current stretch without their franchise cornerstone, the Warriors are 4-6.

Steve Kerr’s headaches continue to grow

Without Stephen Curry, everything changes for the Warriors. Since his absence, the team has lacked the continuity needed to establish a clear identity. Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledges he must do more to support Draymond Green, especially now that their signature pick-and-roll duo is sidelined. Green, in particular, has struggled to make an offensive impact without Curry’s gravity.

Stretch big man Kristaps Porzingis has appeared in just one game since joining the team and is now expected to miss his fifth straight contest due to illness. The team’s morale has visibly dipped.

On the court, the numbers tell a grim story. Over their last 10 games, the Warriors rank 21st in three-point percentage and hold a net rating of -4.4. Once battling for a top-six seed, they now risk slipping to 10th – a fate that could become reality with their upcoming matchup against the Clippers.

Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Deni Avdija is expected to return soon after missing four games with a lower back strain, giving teams just below Golden State a chance to climb.

A Play-In Tournament path would be tougher, but the bigger concern is Curry’s workload upon return. Even with cautious management, asking a 37-year-old superstar to carry more minutes and intensity isn’t sustainable. The young core must step up, and the Warriors will need Porzingis to find consistency once Curry is back on the floor.

Can the Warriors manage to stay out of trouble until Curry returns? Let us know your views in the comments below.