Stephen Curry Returns to Action Against Miami Heat
Stephen Curry will take the court when the Golden State Warriors host the Miami Heat on January 19, 2026. The game happens at Chase Center in San Francisco. Curry received clearance from the Warriors' medical staff after dealing with a quadriceps contusion. He faces no playing time restrictions for this important matchup.
Curry's Recovery and Recent Performance
Stephen Curry suffered the quad injury during last Thursday's game against the New York Knicks. The Warriors monitored his recovery closely before giving him the green light to return. Over his last five games, the 37-year-old guard averaged 21.2 points per game. He also contributed 7.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 30.8 minutes per contest.
Curry shoots 48 percent from the field during this stretch. His three-point accuracy stands at 35.4 percent. He maintains perfect free-throw shooting as well. Defenses must stay alert whenever Curry steps onto the floor. His constant off-ball movement and deep shooting range force defenders out of position. This creates valuable space for his teammates on every possession, even when his own scoring numbers dip.
Team Momentum and Key Storylines
The Golden State Warriors ride a three-game winning streak into this contest. Miami Heat won two of their last three games. Both teams push for better positioning in their respective conferences. This matchup carries significant meaning at this stage of the season.
Jimmy Butler III faces his former Miami team for the first time this year. He joined the Warriors earlier in the season, adding an emotional layer to the game. Miami will miss Tyler Herro, who sits out with a rib injury. Bam Adebayo shoulders more offensive responsibility in Herro's absence.
Projected Lineups and Injury Updates
Injuries and late decisions shape the expected starting lineups for both teams. Golden State likely starts Stephen Curry at point guard. Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler III, Brandin Podziemski, and Quinten Post round out their projected lineup.
Miami's starting guards remain uncertain, with Dru Smith possibly filling one spot. Bam Adebayo anchors their frontcourt. Draymond Green carries a questionable tag for Golden State due to injury concerns. Seth Curry has been officially ruled out for this game.
What's at Stake in This Matchup
Stephen Curry's availability restores the Warriors' offense to full strength. His presence forces Miami to adjust their defensive schemes, particularly their switch-heavy approach. The Heat's primary challenge involves slowing down Curry's offensive impact.
Miami must also generate consistent scoring without Tyler Herro. Both teams chase improved conference positioning. This game plays a crucial role in determining their playoff trajectories. Every possession matters as these competitive squads battle for momentum.
