Golden State Warriors supporters have been dealt another disappointing blow as their superstar, Stephen Curry, will remain sidelined for the team's high-profile encounter against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, December 4, 2025. This announcement extends an already worrying period of absence for the franchise's most important player, casting a shadow over the team's early-season campaign.
Curry's Extended Absence and Recovery Timeline
What was initially diagnosed as a short-term issue has now developed into a more prolonged recovery. Curry is continuing to rehabilitate a lingering left quadriceps contusion that he sustained during the game against the Houston Rockets back on November 26. Although he played through the injury that night, the four-time NBA champion has not appeared in a single game since.
The initial prognosis suggested a week-long absence, but the recovery has now stretched beyond two weeks. Curry has stayed back in the Bay Area for intensive treatment instead of traveling with the team on their current road trip. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has indicated a target return date of December 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but no official timeline has been confirmed. This latest setback means Curry will have missed at least nine games this season, a significant blow for a Warriors squad struggling to find consistency, particularly away from home where they hold a 4-8 record.
Warriors' Mounting Injury List Ahead of 76ers Clash
The concern for Golden State extends far beyond their iconic point guard. The team's injury report for the December 4 game is alarmingly long, highlighting a roster in crisis. Alongside Curry, rookie Alex Toohey is out for left knee management. A host of other key players are listed as questionable, including Jimmy Butler III (left knee soreness), Jonathan Kuminga (right ankle sprain), Trayce Jackson-Davis (right knee), Quinten Post (left ankle), and veteran Al Horford (right sciatic irritation).
The sole positive note is the impending return of guard De'Anthony Melton, who is close to making his season debut after recovering from an ACL injury. Without Curry, who averages 27.9 points per game on elite 47.1% shooting from the field and 91.9% from the free-throw line, the offensive responsibility will fall heavily on younger guards like Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody.
Star-Studded Showdown Dimmed by Health Issues
This matchup, once circled as a marquee inter-conference battle, has been drastically reshaped by injuries on both sides. The Philadelphia 76ers are also navigating significant health problems. MVP candidate Joel Embiid is listed as questionable as he manages his knee recovery. Star forward Paul George remains out with knee and back issues, and Quentin Grimes is questionable with a calf concern. The Sixers are also without Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford.
This places immense pressure on guard Tyrese Maxey, who is having a career year averaging a spectacular 32.5 points per game. With both teams sporting nearly identical records—Warriors at 11-11 and the 76ers at 11-9—the contest at the Wells Fargo Center will be less about superstar theatrics and more a stern test of roster depth, adaptability, and defensive grit.
Oddsmakers still favor the Sixers at home, installing them as reasonable favorites. The focus for both squads will be on securing a crucial win to gain momentum in a turbulent season. One certainty for the night is that the Philadelphia crowd will not witness any of Stephen Curry's signature long-range three-pointers.
