Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is expected to make his return from a knee injury in mid to late March, according to a recent update from NBA insider Matt Steinmetz. After being sidelined since January 30, this Stephen Curry return update offers hope for the Warriors as they aim to secure a playoff spot this season.
Warriors Navigate Injuries While Holding a Playoff Position
The Warriors have faced significant challenges this season with key players sidelined, including Stephen Curry, who hasn’t played since the end of January. In addition, Jimmy Butler was lost to a torn ACL, and Jonathan Kuminga was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, who is also currently unavailable due to illness. Despite these setbacks, Golden State sits at 31-29, holding the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
These difficulties have raised questions about the team’s strategy and whether they will push forward competitively or consider tanking for a better draft position. However, Steinmetz, known as Steiny and Guru, maintains that the Warriors’ approach remains unchanged.
Stephen Curry’s Return Timeline and Team’s Current Goals
Steinmetz shared insights on the Warriors’ plan regarding Curry’s recovery and return to the lineup. He made clear that the team intends to rest Curry as much as possible before reintroducing him cautiously later in the season.
“[The Warriors] are gonna rest Steph Curry as long as they can. And then mid to late-March — maybe early April — he’ll come back. The goal right now is easy: It’s about making the playoffs — they will be able to live with themselves.”
– @Steinmetzsports via @SteinyGuru957
This timeline indicates a strategic approach where Curry will be preserved for the postseason push rather than rushed back prematurely. According to Steinmetz, the Warriors are still competing with the ambition to extend their playoff run, despite the current injuries and recent losses.
Analysis of Warriors’ Current Position in Western Conference
While recent games, such as the 129-101 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, have been tough blows, the Warriors maintain a slight lead over the play-in competitors. They are currently a 2.5-game advantage ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers, who occupy the 10th spot, and an equal margin above the 9th-seeded Portland Trail Blazers. Securing the eighth seed, which is currently held by Golden State, would mean playing in the initial play-in game with a chance to advance.
If the season concluded now, the Warriors would face the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns, who have a three-game edge over Golden State. Meanwhile, teams like the Lakers and Denver Nuggets remain in sixth and fifth respectively, though a shift in standings could introduce more contest for the playoff picture.
Stephen Curry’s Performance and Impact Upon Return
Despite the time off the court, Curry’s season statistics demonstrate he remains an elite player. He is averaging 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, hitting 46.8% from the field, 39.1% from three-point range, and an impressive 93.1% from the free throw line. His return could significantly boost the Warriors’ chances in the postseason, making them a formidable opponent.
Steinmetz emphasized that the Warriors are not planning to give up on the season or shut down Curry entirely, dispelling rumors about tanking.
“I don’t think they’re tanking and people are saying ‘Oh Steph’s gonna get shut down,’ I don’ think Steph’s getting shut down.”
– Matt Steinmetz, NBA Insider
He added that the goal remains straightforward: securing a playoff berth and winning at least one playoff game would allow the Warriors and their supporters to feel justified with the season’s effort.
Upcoming Challenges and What to Watch For
With the return of key players on the horizon and a tightly contested Western Conference, the Warriors’ remaining regular-season games will be crucial. Their matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers is particularly important as it could impact seeding and momentum heading into the postseason. How the Warriors manage Curry’s reintegration and address the ongoing absences of others like Porzingis will determine how deep they may advance in the playoffs.
The team’s resilience amidst adversity continues to highlight their strategic balancing act of recovery, competition, and positioning. Curry’s comeback is a pivotal factor that could tip the scales in Golden State’s favor as the playoffs approach.
"[The Warriors] are gonna rest Steph Curry as long as they can. And then mid to late-March — maybe early April — he'll come back. The goal right now is easy: It's about making the playoffs — they will be able to live with themselves."
– @Steinmetzsports via @SteinyGuru957 pic.twitter.com/z1LzV6Z3Jv
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) March 2, 2026
