Golden State Warriors guard Seth Curry's much-anticipated return to the basketball court has been delayed further. The veteran shooter is facing a significant period on the sidelines after medical scans confirmed a concerning injury.
MRI Confirms Sciatic Nerve Issue, Timeline Set
According to a report from ESPN's Anthony Slater, Seth Curry recently underwent an MRI on his lower back and pelvis. The imaging confirmed a sciatic nerve-related problem, a development that was also reported by journalist Marc J. Spears on social media platform X. As a result of this diagnosis, the Warriors' medical staff has decided that Curry will be re-evaluated in two weeks. This mid-January check-up will determine a clearer timeline for his potential comeback to game action.
Curry's injury woes began after he participated in just two games for the Warriors in early December. He has since missed the team's last eight contests. The timing is particularly unfortunate as it follows his unique signing journey this season; after being initially signed, waived, and then re-signed by Golden State in November, he was finally teaming up with his superstar brother, Stephen Curry, for the first time in their professional careers.
Impact on Warriors' Rotation and Recent Momentum
The Warriors, who have recently found better form and climbed back above a .500 winning percentage after a Christmas Day victory over the Dallas Mavericks, must now navigate this absence. While Stephen Curry has returned from his own leg injury, the team receives this setback regarding his brother.
From a rotational standpoint, the immediate impact may be manageable. Seth Curry had only appeared in two games this season, averaging 7.0 points in 16.0 minutes per game. However, his absence removes a specific skill set from the bench. He is a historically elite three-point shooter, ranking seventh in NBA history with a 43.3% career mark from beyond the arc. His presence provides crucial late-clock spacing and reliable catch-and-shoot opportunities, especially when stars like Stephen Curry draw heavy defensive attention.
Who Steps Up in Curry's Absence?
The Warriors' coaching staff will likely look to several players to fill the void. Immediate candidates for those minutes include Pat Spencer, Buddy Hield, and Will Richard, all of whom are capable of providing spot three-point shooting. If a game situation calls for more defensive grit or playmaking, options like De'Anthony Melton and Moses Moody could see increased guard minutes.
The team's overall three-point shooting, which is a modest 36.0% this season, takes a notable dip when Stephen Curry's numbers are excluded, falling to 34.6%. This highlights the value of having another proven shooter like Seth available. Furthermore, his decision-making and low turnover rate—below 9% for the past two seasons—are assets the bench will miss.
For Seth Curry personally, this injury interrupts a run of generally good health. Since missing the 2017-18 season with a fractured tibia, he has played in at least 64 games in five of the last seven seasons, including 68 appearances last year. The Warriors now face a hectic schedule, with games in Toronto, Brooklyn, and Charlotte to close December, followed by a matchup against Oklahoma City on January 2nd, all without his services.
