The Golden State Warriors will be without their superstar Stephen Curry when they take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The veteran guard continues to recover from a left quadriceps contusion and did not travel with the team for its current road trip, marking his fifth consecutive absence.
Curry's Recovery Timeline and Return Window
Stephen Curry has been formally ruled out for the contest in Chicago, as confirmed by the latest team updates. The injury occurred during a late-November defeat to the Houston Rockets, and the recovery has taken longer than initially hoped. The Warriors' medical and coaching staff are prioritizing rest to ensure the bruise does not develop into a more serious soft-tissue issue, especially given Curry's reliance on explosive movement.
He has not been with the squad in Philadelphia, Cleveland, or Chicago, eliminating any possibility of a game-time decision. The next realistic target for his return is later in the week when Golden State hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves, provided his symptoms subside satisfactorily.
Impact on Warriors' Season and Lineup
Curry's absence is a massive blow to a Warriors team fighting to stay near a .500 record. Before the injury, the 37-year-old was in elite form, averaging around 28 points per game with high efficiency and his trademark three-point shooting. His extended time off disrupts both his personal rhythm and the team's offensive structure, which heavily relies on his gravity and playmaking.
Compounding the problem, the Warriors' injury report is lengthy. Draymond Green remains out with a right midfoot sprain, veteran Al Horford is sidelined with sciatic nerve irritation, and young forward Alex Toohey is out for knee management. This strips the team of critical defense, playmaking, and leadership.
There is a slight silver lining: Jimmy Butler is listed as probable and expected to play, while Seth Curry has also been upgraded to probable, offering some backcourt relief.
Chicago Bulls See an Opportunity
The Chicago Bulls, mired in a six-game home losing streak, will see the Curry-less Warriors as a prime chance to get back on track. Their own injury report features several players: Coby White is probable, Ayo Dosunmu is questionable, and Kevin Huerter and Noa Essengue are confirmed out.
Without their primary offensive engine, the Warriors will need to rely on heightened defensive intensity and opportunistic scoring from role players. Expect the Bulls to apply aggressive pressure in transition and attack the paint early to test Golden State's depleted roster. While fans will miss the spectacle of Curry's "Splash Show," the game sets up as a gritty battle between two shorthanded teams desperate for a win.
The Warriors' strategy is clear: exercise caution with their aging superstar to ensure he is healthy for the crucial postseason push, even if it means struggling through a difficult early-season stretch.
