Stephen Curry Sidelined for Warriors' Road Game Against Suns
The Golden State Warriors will be without their primary guard Stephen Curry when they face the Phoenix Suns on February 5, 2026. The team has officially ruled him out due to a persistent right knee issue, marking his third consecutive missed game. This absence leaves Golden State significantly shorthanded for a critical road contest as they navigate a challenging stretch of their schedule.
Details of Curry's Knee Condition and Injury Timeline
The NBA's official injury report lists Stephen Curry as out with right patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly referred to as runner's knee. This overuse injury causes pain around the kneecap and can worsen with repeated movements such as cutting, jumping, or extended playing time. The Warriors' medical staff has opted for a cautious approach, choosing to hold Curry out rather than risk further irritation of the affected area.
Curry has already missed recent games against the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves. He first experienced discomfort before facing Minnesota and attempted to play through it, but later left a loss to the Detroit Pistons after just 25 minutes of action. While an MRI conducted earlier in the week showed no structural damage, the team has described his status as day-to-day and believes rest is the optimal recovery strategy for this specific game.
Impact on Golden State Warriors' Performance and Strategy
Without Curry, the Warriors lose their primary scorer, playmaker, and offensive engine. This season, Curry has been averaging:
- 24-27 points per game
- 5-6 assists per game
- Over 1 steal per game
- Better than 46% shooting from the field
The timing is particularly difficult for Golden State, who have struggled for consistency recently, losing five of their last seven games including three without Curry. Against a Phoenix team that maintains offensive efficiency despite Devin Booker's ankle injury, the Warriors will need a more balanced scoring effort and increased contributions from secondary players.
Expected Lineup Adjustments and Game Dynamics
With Curry unavailable, the Warriors are expected to deploy Jordan Poole and Brandin Podziemski to share playmaking responsibilities in the backcourt. Kevon Looney will likely handle most interior duties, especially with Jonathan Kuminga also sidelined due to a bone bruise.
Phoenix is anticipated to leverage Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant to challenge Golden State on the perimeter, an area typically strengthened by Curry's presence. From both betting and fantasy basketball perspectives, Curry's absence significantly redistributes touches and shot attempts to other players while reducing the Warriors' margin for error in late-game situations.
Recovery Timeline and Potential Return Date
Stephen Curry is expected to miss at least one more game beyond the Suns matchup, with February 7 mentioned as an early checkpoint for reevaluation. The Warriors maintain that the issue is not structurally serious but are managing it carefully as the team continues its push for a playoff position in the competitive Western Conference.
If Curry's knee shows improvement, a return after the upcoming All-Star break appears possible. For now, Golden State must navigate their matchup against Phoenix without their leading scorer while Curry focuses on rehabilitation and recovery protocols.
