Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, NBA record, Dell Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Steve Kerr, Curry record most games father-son duo, Curry record most 20-point quarters, Warriors news
Getty
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors broke multiple NBA records in their win over the Utah Jazz, but one with his father stands out.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green sat out Monday night when the Golden State Warriors faced the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
Curry was scratched with right knee inflammation. Green sat due to lower back soreness. The absences left the Warriors without their two most important players in a back-to-back matchup after Golden State dominated Minnesota 111-85 on Sunday.
But head coach Steve Kerr provided positive news before Monday’s game.
Kerr said he is hopeful both Curry and Green will return Wednesday night when the Warriors host the Utah Jazz. The injuries are not considered serious, and the Warriors are taking a cautious approach with both veterans.
Nick Friedell
Kerr says Steph’s knee injury isn’t serious — but it’s still bothering him. Kerr said the injury has been bothering him for the last few days. He’s hopeful Steph will be able to play in Utah.
Steve Kerr on Steph Curry’s Knee Inflammation
Steph Curry
GettySteph Curry of the Golden State Warriors is a four-time NBA champion.
Curry’s knee issue appeared suddenly during a Saturday workout.
After scoring 26 points in Sunday’s blowout win, Curry said “something kind of flared up” during the workout and described it as “super weird.” The inflammation appeared without obvious cause or warning.
Kerr met with Curry and the training staff Monday afternoon before deciding to hold him out. “It’s not serious,” Kerr said, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN. “But he had to warm up last night to see if he could play.”
The decision reflects the Warriors’ increasingly cautious approach with their franchise cornerstone. Golden State has carefully managed Curry’s workload over the past two seasons to ensure availability for crucial games down the stretch. Sitting him out on a back-to-back against Minnesota made sense given the knee was still bothering him.
Through 37 games this season, Curry has been excellent. He is averaging 27.3 points on 46.8% shooting from the field and 39% from three-point range, along with 3.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
The knee inflammation has bothered him for the last few days, according to Kerr. But the expectation is that rest will allow him to return Wednesday against Utah.
Draymond Green’s Back Soreness
Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Rich Paul comments, Golden State Warriors news, Warriors trade rumors, Kuminga trade rumors, NBA trade rumors, NBA trade deadline
GettyDraymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors.
Green’s prognosis is similar.
Kerr said Green’s lower back soreness is not serious, and the veteran forward is expected to return Wednesday as well. Green has appeared in 39 games this season, averaging 8.5 points on 42.2% shooting from the field and 32.5% from three-point range. His contributions extend beyond scoring, with 5.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game highlighting his playmaking ability and defensive leadership.
Green rarely plays when Curry sits these days. The coaching staff prefers to rest both veterans simultaneously when possible. The back-to-back schedule made Monday’s game an ideal opportunity to give both players rest without significantly impacting playoff positioning.
Without Curry and Green available against Minnesota, the Warriors started Pat Spencer, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Gui Santos, and Quinten Post.
The Warriors’ Injury Crisis
Curry and Green were not the only absences Monday night.
The Warriors had seven players on the injury report. Jonathan Kuminga is dealing with a left knee bone bruise. De’Anthony Melton is managing a left knee injury. Al Horford is handling left toe injury management. Seth Curry is battling sciatica. And Jimmy Butler remains out for the season after tearing his right ACL earlier this month.
Butler’s absence represents the most significant long-term loss. The veteran forward had provided valuable scoring punch and defensive versatility before the devastating injury. His season-ending ACL tear has forced the Warriors to reconsider their rotation and potentially explore trade deadline options.
The mounting injuries have pushed general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to evaluate potential roster moves before the deadline. However, Dunleavy is taking a measured approach, ensuring any acquisition helps both immediately and fits the franchise’s future plans.
Kuminga’s uncertain status adds complexity to Golden State’s roster management decisions. He has been dealing with the left knee bone bruise while also requesting a trade from the organization. Whether he returns before the February 5 deadline remains unclear.
What’s Next for the Warriors
The Warriors need Curry and Green back as soon as possible.
Golden State is 25-21 and sits in eighth place in the Western Conference. Without Butler, the Warriors are already facing an uphill battle to remain competitive. Losing Curry and Green, even temporarily, makes that challenge even steeper.
The good news is that both injuries are not considered serious. Kerr’s optimism about Wednesday’s game against Utah suggests the Warriors expect both veterans to return quickly. But the broader injury situation remains concerning.
Seven players missing a single game is a crisis. If the injuries continue to pile up, the Warriors could find themselves slipping further in the standings. The Western Conference is tightly packed, and every loss matters.
Wednesday’s game against the Jazz will be critical. If Curry and Green return as expected, the Warriors can stabilize the roster and focus on making a push before the trade deadline. If either player remains out, Golden State’s problems will only deepen.