Stephen Curry will be sidelined for the All-Star Game as well as the Golden State Warriors’ next two matchups before the break due to runner’s knee, according to coach Steve Kerr’s announcement on Monday. The 37-year-old star, who last played on January 30, has missed the Warriors’ most recent three games and was originally expected to participate in Monday’s contest against the Memphis Grizzlies and Wednesday’s game versus the San Antonio Spurs.
Curry was selected as one of the five All-Star starters representing the Western Conference, but this year’s format is unique—it’s not an East vs. West showdown but a three-team event featuring two U.S. teams and a “World” team. He has been having an impressive season, averaging 27.2 points per game, his best since 2022-23, with shooting splits of 47% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc, and an elite 93% from the free-throw line. He also leads the NBA with an average of 4.0 made three-pointers per game and tops free throw percentage this season.
With the Warriors recently losing Jimmy Butler to a torn ACL, Curry has shouldered a significant burden. Golden State is currently ranked eighth in the Western Conference with a 28-25 record heading into Monday’s game. Curry is now the second All-Star sidelined from the game due to injury, joining Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is out with abdominal issues. Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun will fill Gilgeous-Alexander’s spot on the World team. Additionally, Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will participate to round out Team USA’s roster, but the league still needs a replacement for Curry.
Another injured All-Star, Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, is also expected to miss the game, leaving the World Team with just nine active players, including Antetokounmpo.
—
Fan Take: Stephen Curry’s absence from the All-Star Game and the Warriors’ upcoming contests is a significant blow, underscoring how vital his health is not just to his team but to the league’s excitement and competitive balance. This situation highlights the physical demands on even the most elite players and could influence how teams manage star athletes going forward to prolong their careers and keep the sport thrilling for fans.
