The Golden State Warriors are set to receive a major boost ahead of the postseason, with Stephen Curry expected to return Sunday against the Houston Rockets after a lengthy injury absence. Curry has missed 27 consecutive games due to a persistent right knee issue, leaving the Warriors short-handed during a critical stretch of the regular season.
Golden State enters the final week of the season at 36-41 and holding the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference. With only five games remaining, the team is positioned for the play-in tournament and must win two games to secure a playoff berth. Curry’s return comes at a pivotal moment, as the Warriors look to regain rhythm and improve their chances before mid-April.
Speaking on “The Draymond Show,” Draymond Green confirmed the timeline and emphasized the significance of Curry’s return. “Steph Curry is returning on Sunday versus the Houston Rockets,” Green said. “And thank God, we’re excited obviously. But number one, just to see him back out there on the floor, the NBA is a much better place with Steph Curry on the floor.”
Draymond Green Focuses on Warriors’ Playoff Push
GettyGolden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green
Green’s comments highlighted both the immediate impact of Curry’s return and the broader approach the team has taken during his absence. The Warriors have struggled without their star guard, going 13-25 in games he missed this season, compared to 23-16 when he has played.
Despite the results, Green said the team has focused on maintaining competitiveness and building habits that can translate once key players return.
“I think the most important thing for us the last few weeks has been staying competitive, making sure that we’re building great habits,” Green said. “So that when Steph returns… you’re not trying to break bad habits. You plug those guys in where they go.”
Curry’s absence coincided with other injuries, including the loss of key contributors, forcing younger players and role players into expanded roles. Green noted that those experiences could benefit the team as it reintegrates its core players.
“We didn’t win a ton of games, but I think what we did was build some good habits,” he said. “We showed that guys have grown… now you get your reinforcements back and you try to give yourself a chance.”
The Warriors’ immediate goal is to stabilize their rotation and build continuity before the play-in tournament begins. Green stressed that the remaining regular-season games will be used to reestablish chemistry.
“You want to spend these next five games trying to build that continuity, build familiarity,” he said. “So that when the play-in rolls around… we put ourselves in the best possible position.”
Stephen Curry’s Return Timeline and Warriors’ Playoff Outlook
GettyGolden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry
Curry’s return follows a prolonged recovery from knee pain and swelling that began in late January. He last played on January 30 against the Detroit Pistons before undergoing a series of setbacks during rehabilitation.
In recent weeks, however, Curry has progressed through multiple on-court sessions, including two full scrimmages at the team’s San Francisco facility. He is expected to practice Saturday and be available Sunday, marking his first game action in over two months.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr previously indicated that Curry would need a “runway” to regain rhythm before the postseason. With only five games remaining, that window is limited, making each appearance significant.
Curry has averaged 27.2 points and 4.8 assists in 39 games this season. His presence has been central to the Warriors’ competitiveness, and his return is expected to impact both performance and team morale.
Green also addressed the importance of maintaining structure as Curry returns, noting that roles will shift again after weeks of adjustments.
“You’ve had guys get these huge opportunities,” Green said. “With Steph back, those opportunities won’t be quite the same… you want to build that familiarity.”
He added that there was never serious consideration of Curry sitting out the remainder of the season, despite the team’s challenges.
“There was never really an idea of Steph shutting it down,” Green said. “That’s just not who he is.”
As the Warriors prepare for the play-in tournament, the focus remains on health and execution. Green summed up the team’s mindset simply.
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