Steph Curry, Warriors, Steve Kerr, Draymond Green
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Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts on the bench during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 18, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Golden State Warriors will be without their franchise cornerstone until after the NBA All-Star break.
Coach Steve Kerr confirmed Monday that Stephen Curry will not participate in the NBA All-Star Game, according to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, as the 37-year-old continues his recovery from patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as runner’s knee.
Curry has missed the Warriors’ last four games and will also sit out Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies and Wednesday versus the San Antonio Spurs — Golden State’s final two contests before the All-Star break.
Warriors’ All-Star Absence Ends Historic Run
Curry was voted an All-Star starter for this weekend’s event in Los Angeles, hosted by the Los Angeles Clippers. He was the only starter over age 31 and had been selected for what would have been his 12th All-Star appearance.
The decision to hold him out underscores Golden State’s emphasis on long-term health over accolades, particularly as Curry navigates a condition that can worsen with overuse.
Steph Curry Injury Timeline Shows Gradual Escalation
The knee issue that sidelined Curry did not surface suddenly.
He first appeared on the injury report six days before the aggravation, after experiencing swelling and soreness following an individual workout in Minneapolis. At the time, the Warriors labeled the issue as patellofemoral inflammation.
Curry was listed as questionable against the Minnesota Timberwolves, played through the discomfort in a win, then sat out the Jan. 26 rematch. He returned Jan. 28 in Utah and again Jan. 30 against the Detroit Pistons, when the condition worsened.
Midway through that 131–124 loss, Curry grimaced after driving to the basket, favored his right leg, and exited shortly thereafter. He was later seen icing his knee and limping as he left the arena.
Curry: Recovery “Trending in the Right Direction”
After the Warriors’ 101–97 comeback win in Phoenix, Curry told ESPN’s Anthony Slater that his recovery was progressing.
“It’s different than last year, but something that will heal,” Curry told Slater.
Still, he acknowledged the risk of returning too soon.
“If I come back too early, it could flare up,” Curry said. “It’s something we still have to monitor and injury-manage.”
Why Runner’s Knee Is Tricky for Curry
While Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, his value is built on constant movement — relocation, cutting, off-ball screens, and sudden changes of direction.
That nonstop activity places sustained stress on the knees, making inflammation management especially critical.
Orthopedic specialists typically recommend rest, load management, targeted strengthening, and supportive measures such as taping or bracing for runner’s knee. Playing through persistent inflammation, however, can increase the risk of chronic pain, cartilage damage, or long-term joint degeneration.
“It’s a matter of learning as I go what works rehab-wise,” Curry said. “Because it’s still painful. You have to try to get rid of all the inflammation and pain.”
Warriors’ Standings Allow Patience
Golden State enters Monday’s game against the Grizzlies, 3.5 games outside the top six in the Western Conference but seven games clear of 11th place, providing a modest cushion as the team prioritizes Curry’s recovery.
With the postseason race tightening, the Warriors are betting that caution now will pay dividends later.
Pat Spencer Poised for Expanded Role
With Curry sidelined, Pat Spencer is expected to continue playing an expanded role.
The 29-year-old undrafted guard recently had his two-way contract converted to a standard NBA deal after reaching the 50-game limit. In 36 games, Spencer is averaging 5.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game, including five starts.
In those starts, he has produced 14.6 points, 5.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, while shooting 54.2 percent from three-point range.
As Golden State navigates the All-Star break without its franchise icon, Spencer and the rest of the rotation will be tasked with holding the line — while Curry focuses on returning healthy for the stretch run.