Stephen Curry Return Set for Sunday vs. Rockets After 27-Game Injury Absence

Stephen Curry is expected to return to the Golden State Warriors lineup this Sunday against the Houston Rockets following a 27-game absence due to a right knee injury.

Stephen Curry is expected to receive medical clearance for a Sunday return to the Golden State Warriors lineup against the Houston Rockets. The two-time MVP has missed the previous 27 games due to a persistent right knee issue that caused pain and swelling. This injury forced his exit during a loss to the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 30. League sources told ESPN that the veteran guard successfully completed two 5-on-5 scrimmages this week at the team’s San Francisco facility, clearing the necessary medical hurdles to rejoin the active roster.

With a Stephen Curry return imminent, the Warriors look to improve upon a 36-41 record that currently places them 10th in the Western Conference standings. The team has struggled significantly without their lead guard, posting a 13-25 record in the 38 total games he has missed this season. Conversely, Golden State is 23-16 when Curry is on the floor. The current seeding means the franchise must win two play-in games in mid-April to secure the eighth seed, which would likely result in a first-round postseason matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Medical Recovery and Scrimmage Milestones

The road to this Stephen Curry return was marked by numerous setbacks over the last two months as the player attempted to increase his physical workload. Despite the initial timeline being shorter than the actual duration of the absence, the knee has responded positively to treatment over the past few weeks. Before the anticipated Sunday tip-off, Curry is scheduled to participate in a full team practice on Saturday. These steps follow a rigorous rehabilitation process intended to stabilize the joint after the Jan. 30 flare-up.

Head coach Steve Kerr noted last week that the guard requires a "runway" of games to establish a competitive rhythm. With only five games remaining in the regular season, the timing of this comeback is critical for conditioning. The medical staff prioritized the 5-on-5 contact sessions in San Francisco to ensure the knee could handle the lateral movements and high-intensity shifts required for NBA competition.

Impact of Jimmy Butler’s ACL Injury

The Warriors' season has been further complicated by the loss of Curry’s co-star, Jimmy Butler, who suffered a torn ACL in January. This roster depletion contributed to the team's slide down the Western Conference ladder during Curry's two-month hiatus. Despite the absence of his primary teammate and the team’s precarious playoff position, Curry has reportedly remained motivated behind the scenes to provide a spirit boost to the organization during a turbulent stretch.

While championship aspirations may be unrealistic given the current standings and roster health, the franchise views these final five regular-season contests as essential for building momentum. The disparity between the team's winning percentage with Curry (.589) versus without him (.342) underscores the statistical necessity of his presence for the play-in tournament.

Play-in Tournament Implications

To reach the traditional playoff bracket, the 10th-place Warriors must navigate a high-stakes path in mid-April. Returning for the game against the Houston Rockets allows Curry to test his knee in a live environment before the elimination format begins. The goal is to increase his workload incrementally over the final week of the season to ensure he can handle the heavy minutes required in a do-or-die play-in scenario.

By securing the eighth seed through the play-in, the Warriors would face the Thunder, a matchup that requires peak offensive efficiency. The team’s 23-16 record with Curry suggests they perform at a pace equivalent to a top-six seed when he is healthy. His return is the final variable for a Golden State team attempting to salvage a season that saw them fall five games below .500 during his 27-game recovery period.