Stephen Curry missed his 11th straight game due to patella-femoral pain syndrome, or runner’s knee, as the Golden State Warriors faced the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center. The team plans to reassess his condition after 10 days, indicating a cautious approach to managing his recovery.
Reports from Matt Steinmetz of 95.7 The Game suggest that while the Warriors prefer to rest Curry for an extended period, they may not be ready to rule out his participation for the remainder of the season.
Insights into the Warriors’ Strategy Regarding Curry’s Playing Time
Matt Steinmetz explained the team’s approach with Curry, saying,
“The bottom line to me is, people are saying they are tanking. I don’t think they’re tanking. People are saying Steph is going to get shut down, but I don’t think Steph is getting shut down.”
He added,
“They’re the eighth seed in the West right now. They have a couple of games between them and the seventh, and them and the ninth. To me, it is apparent what is happening here. They’re going to rest Steph as long as they can, and then mid to late-March, maybe early April, he’ll come back.”
Steinmetz further noted,
“And at that point, they hope to still be at eighth and hope to win one play-in game. The goal right now is easy: It’s about making the playoffs. If they make the playoffs, they will be able to live with themselves.”
Warriors’ Season Performance and Team Challenges
Currently, the Warriors hold a 31-29 record this season, performing significantly better when Curry is on the floor (23-16) compared to when he is sidelined (8-13). Despite Curry’s efforts, the team is far from title contention.
Key players have faced setbacks, including Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury and Kristaps Porzingis’ ongoing illness recovery, with only sporadic strong performances from veterans like Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton. This leaves the team vulnerable, likely to face an early playoff exit or even compete as a play-in squad.
Considerations for Resting Curry Amid Team Limitations
Monte Poole of NBC Sports highlights the dilemma facing the Warriors, especially given the aging core. At 37 years old, Stephen Curry is still producing strong numbers—27.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range. However, rushing his return for a brief play-in appearance does not align with long-term success.
With Curry approaching 38, pacing his comeback is crucial for maximizing his performance when it matters most. The NBA rewards winning and competition; merely making the playoffs without a realistic title chance may no longer satisfy Curry or the team’s aspirations, especially given the limited support from an injured roster.
Evaluating the Warriors’ Playoff Prospects Without Curry
Despite these challenges, the Warriors have the potential to secure a play-in spot even without Curry. The gap between them and the 11th-seeded Memphis Grizzlies is significant—eight wins—which decreases the likelihood of falling out of playoff contention. This cushion could allow the Warriors to strategically manage Curry’s minutes while maintaining a playoff position.
Long-Term Planning and the Potential Benefits of a Below-Average Season
The Warriors’ front office might also be considering the advantages of a less successful regular season. Holding all of their own draft picks for the next six years, except for a conditional 2030 first-round pick, the franchise could benefit from entering the lottery. This scenario would increase the value of their assets, which are reportedly intended to attract star Giannis Antetokounmpo during the summer free agency period, aiming to improve the team’s competitiveness for future title runs.
Possible Decision to Limit Curry’s Playing Time for the Rest of the Year
Given the combination of a grueling season, limited team depth, and the importance of preserving Curry’s effectiveness for critical games, it is plausible the Warriors will shut down their star guard for the remainder of the regular season. This strategy may focus their resources on making the play-in tournament or preparing for a rebuild that centers around acquiring a stronger supporting cast.
"[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
Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) on the possibility of shutting Steph Curry down: "I can understand why that would at least be on the table… Steph is turning 38 this month, 39 next year, Jimmy will be 37 when he comes back."
(via @SteinyGuru957) pic.twitter.com/QbeQBlaV6M
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) March 2, 2026
