Stephen Curry’s Injury Affects Playoff Eligibility; Out for Celtics Matchup Thursday

by February 19, 2026

Stephen Curry’s Injury Update

Stephen Curry last played for the Golden State Warriors in January, missing five consecutive games leading up to the All-Star break. He did not participate in the All-Star Game in Los Angeles, although he showcased an impressive shot during the event.

Current Status

Curry is officially ruled out for the upcoming game against the Boston Celtics due to patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as “runner’s knee”. This injury will increase his total missed games to 17 this season.

Implications of the Injury

The implications are significant for Curry, as missing just one more game would prevent him from reaching the minimum 65 games played necessary for eligibility for postseason honors. Despite undergoing an MRI within the last 24 hours that came back with no significant issues, reports from ESPN’s Anthony Slater suggest that Curry is not expected to return to the court imminently, as he focuses on healing his knee.

Impact on the Team

Curry remains critical to Golden State’s offensive dynamics, especially in the wake of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear. This season, he boasts averages of 27.2 points and 4.8 assists per game, with a shooting accuracy of 39.1% from three-point range.

The Warriors’ performance without either Curry or Butler is struggling, reflected in their offensive rating of 108.1, which is currently the lowest in the league. The Warriors find themselves holding the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 29-26, placing additional pressure on them as they navigate their remaining games this season.