When can Steph Curry return from injury? Latest update on the Golden State Warriors' star man and his potential return
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry has been sidelined for nearly two weeks now, and a return is not imminent. The two-time MVP suffered partial tears to two ligaments in his leg during a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.
A few days after the injury, it was reported that Steph Curry would be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. Even with the extra week off, it doesn't seem like he'll be back soon to help the Warriors make a playoff push.
Earlier this week, Curry was asked about a possible return date. When the first game after the All-Star break was brought up, he quickly dismissed the idea.
"After the All-Star break, I'm going to hopefully get back on the court. Then depending on how things go from there, you can start to key in on a specific date to get back.
"I don't know how you define chunk, but yeah, I won't be playing against the Lakers the first game back."
This is now the second significant stretch that Curry has missed this year. Back in December, he missed 11 games due to a shoulder injury. In the five recent games that Curry has been out, the Golden State Warriors are 2-3.
How does this Steph Curry update impact the Golden State Warriors?
It goes without saying how big of a blow this is for the Golden State Warriors. Steph Curry is the focal point of the offense and was still playing at a high level despite all the injuries. In the 38 games he's been on the floor, the 34-year-old has averaged 29.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists.
With the Western Conference stacking up at the trade deadline, the Warriors need Steph Curry at 100% if they want any shot at defending their title. Until he can return, it will be on players like Jordan Poole to step up and help fill the void.
The standings in the West are air-tight, which gives the Warriors little margin for error as they play without their star player. They currently sit in ninth place with a record of 29-29.
While teams like the Utah Jazz are likely to drop in the standings now, Golden State still has to be careful. The Portland Trail Blazers and LA Lakers are two squads gunning for a spot in the postseason. Sitting only three games behind the Warriors in the standings, one good run could change everything.
How long Curry takes to rejoin the team could end up making or breaking their playoff hopes in 2023.