Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry during a movie premiere.
If you tuned into the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and immediately wondered why Stephen Curry isn’t out there, the NBA’s answer is clear:Curry was ruled out due to right patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee).
The league named Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram as Curry’s replacement on USA Stripes, selected by Commissioner Adam Silver.
Why Curry isn’t playing: runner’s knee (and the Warriors prioritized recovery)
Curry’s condition – patellofemoral pain syndrome – is one of those injuries that can linger if you keep pushing it, especially with the volume of cutting and conditioning in his game. The Warriors’ message going into the break was simple: use the downtime to let it calm down rather than risk aggravation in an exhibition.
Curry hasn’t played since January 30, when he exited against the Detroit Pistons, and he entered All-Star weekend having missed a significant chunk of games this season.
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Curry’s absence also stands out because he’s still producing like an All-Star: he entered the break averaging 27.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 39 games. For his career, Curry is at 24.8 points, 6.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. Sunday would’ve been his 12th All-Star selection, and he’s a two-time All-Star Game MVP plus a two-time 3-Point Contest champion (2015, 2021).
The latest return target fans should watch
Multiple reports around the team pointed to the Warriors hoping Curry can return soon after the break, with February 19 vs. the Boston Celtics frequently cited as the first realistic target date.
That date matters for fans because it’s the first real “checkpoint” game coming out of the All-Star pause, if Curry isn’t cleared by then, it suggests the knee needs a longer ramp-up.
Who replaced Curry in the All-Star Game? Brandon Ingram
The NBA officially announced on February 10 that Brandon Ingram would replace Curry on USA Stripes.
Ingram’s quick snapshot (from the NBA’s release):
Averaging: 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists
Season production: 1,143 total points (16th in the NBA at the time of the release)
Team context: helping Toronto sit 32-22, fifth in the East
If you’re a casual viewer expecting Curry’s deep-range gravity, Ingram is obviously a different kind of star, but he brings real isolation scoring and midrange shot-making that plays well in short, high-leverage stretches.
Why the replacement matters more in 2026’s new format
This year’s All-Star Game is a three-team mini-tournament: two Team USA groups (USA Stars and USA Stripes) plus Team World, with four 12-minute games.
In a compressed format like that:
A missing superstar can change a team’s offensive “identity” fast.
Coaches tend to ride hot hands more aggressively because there’s less time to “find the flow.”
One player’s scoring burst can swing point differential and matchup paths.
So replacing Curry isn’t just ceremonial, his touches, spacing, and shot volume have to be redistributed immediately.
The key takeaway for fans asking the question tonight
Curry was voted in as a starter, but he’s not playing because the knee issue didn’t resolve in time, and Golden State opted for rest and treatment over a showcase appearance.
The NBA’s official replacement is Brandon Ingram, so if you’re scanning the floor and wondering “who took Steph’s spot,” that’s your answer.