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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors watches play during the third quarter of the game against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Golden State Warriors are taking a more cautious approach with Stephen Curry as he works toward a return, with coach Steve Kerr signaling a shift in tone following the devastating injury to Moses Moody.
Speaking in a radio interview on 95.7 The Game, Kerr emphasized that the organization will not rush Curry back under any circumstances, particularly with just 10 games remaining in the regular season.
“Today’s a good day to reassure our listeners that if we don’t feel good about it, then he’s not going to play,” Kerr said. “We’re not pushing him into anything if things aren’t really clear.”
Kerr added that the Warriors’ medical staff has been aligned in prioritizing caution.
“If there’s anything that’s a concern whatsoever, then that takes precedence, that takes priority,” he said.
Curry Still Has Key Hurdle Before Return
Curry has missed the Warriors’ last 22 games due to a lingering knee injury that has not consistently responded well to increased activity.
Before returning, he must clear a critical step — participating in full-contact scrimmage action and evaluating how his knee responds.
That step was expected to happen earlier in the week, but the timeline was pushed back.
Curry had been scheduled to scrimmage in Atlanta before the team traveled to Dallas, a session that could have cleared the way for a potential return Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. However, he was not ready, effectively ruling out that projected return date.
According to Warriors insider Anthony Slater during an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today, the uncertainty remains.
“[Curry] says he wants to come back, the Warriors keep saying he wants to come back, but the reality is he has to get into a scrimmage, live action, see how the knee responds,” Slater said. “And it hasn’t responded that well at times.”
Slater added that Curry will not play on Wednesday, with no definitive timeline beyond that.
Challenging Schedule Adds Pressure
The timing of Curry’s absence comes as the Warriors enter a critical stretch of the season.
While their remaining schedule ranks as the 10th softest in the league, six of their final 10 opponents are playoff or play-in teams — creating a far more demanding path than the raw numbers suggest.
Golden State will close out a brief stretch against eliminated teams — including the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards — before facing a significantly tougher slate.
That includes a road matchup against the Denver Nuggets, followed by home games against the San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets.
The Warriors will then close the season with two games against the Sacramento Kings, with matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers in between, before facing the No. 8 LA Clippers for their season finale.
Warriors Managing Position, Not Just Wins
Despite the demanding schedule, the Warriors remain firmly positioned in the Western Conference play-in race.
They hold a nine-game cushion over the No. 11 New Orleans Pelicans, making a complete collapse unlikely.
“We’re not chasing a Play-In berth,” Kerr said earlier this week. “We are squarely in the Play-In, no matter what we do.”
That reality shifts the focus from simply securing a spot to improving seeding — and ensuring the team is healthy entering the postseason.
Moody Injury Reinforces Cautious Approach
GettyMoses Moody of the Golden State Warriors lays on the court after being inured during overtime of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 23, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
The severity of Moody’s injury appears to have further reinforced that mindset.
Moody suffered a season-ending torn left patellar tendon in his first game back after missing 10 games with a right wrist sprain, a sequence that highlights the risks of returning before fully regaining form.
The 23-year-old had been emerging as a key contributor before the injury, making the loss both immediate and long-term for Golden State.
Focus Remains on Curry’s Long-Term Health
For Curry, the Warriors are prioritizing sustainability over urgency.
Kerr made it clear that while Curry’s return would provide a significant boost, the team will not take unnecessary risks — especially with a playoff spot already within reach.
“If Steph is healthy, he’s going to play because that’s what we’re here for,” Kerr said. “The chance to get into the playoffs is a big deal for us.”
But with Moody’s injury serving as a reminder of how quickly situations can change, the Warriors appear committed to a measured approach as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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