SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors standout Stephen Curry is scheduled for another re-evaluation in 10 days regarding a persistent right knee issue, according to league sources speaking with ESPN, meaning he’ll be sidelined for at least five more games.
Curry underwent another MRI in the past 24 hours, which came back clean, ESPN sources confirmed, but continuous pain and swelling have prevented his return to the court.
The team’s official diagnosis is patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as “runner’s knee.”
Before the break, Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed optimism that the inflammation and discomfort in Curry’s right knee would subside, potentially clearing him to play by Thursday night. However, Curry reported back to the facility Wednesday night, informing the training staff that he didn’t feel quite ready to participate in a live scrimmage. The issue has been flaring up after individual practice sessions.
“It’s just prolonged soreness,” Kerr stated before Thursday’s game against the Boston Celtics. “We were hopeful he’d be prepared for tonight, but that wasn’t the case. He simply requires more time.”
Curry missed the previous five games before the All-Star break after ongoing pain and swelling compelled the team to rest him. The problem initially emerged during an individual workout on January 24 in Minneapolis. He attempted to play through it for a few games but eventually had to stop.
“We need to be absolutely certain,” Kerr remarked before the All-Star break. “He needs to be absolutely certain. … It’s a bit unclear, but that’s the nature of this injury.”
Curry informed ESPN on February 5 that his right knee was “progressing favorably,” but he intended to remain cautious before making a return.
“You must aim to alleviate all the inflammation and pain,” Curry explained. “It’s something we still have to monitor and manage, but if I return too soon, it could easily recur.”
Shams Charania of ESPN provided additional reporting for this article.