SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry will undergo another evaluation in 10 days for a persistent right knee injury, extending his absence to at least five additional games, according to league sources.
Curry underwent an MRI within the last 24 hours, the results of which were reported as clean, but ongoing pain and swelling continue to prevent his return to play. The team has officially diagnosed the condition as patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as “runner’s knee.”
Prior to the All-Star break, Warriors coach Steve Kerr had expressed optimism that the inflammation and discomfort in Curry’s knee would subside, potentially allowing him to play in Thursday night’s game against the Boston Celtics. However, Curry informed the team’s training staff Wednesday evening that his knee was not ready for a live scrimmage. The issue has reportedly resurfaced following individual workouts.
“It’s just lingering soreness,” Kerr said before Thursday’s game. “We were hoping he’d be ready for tonight, but it wasn’t the case. He just needs more time.”
Curry initially experienced the knee discomfort during an individual workout on January 24 in Minneapolis. He attempted to play through the pain for several games before ultimately being sidelined, missing the final five contests before the All-Star break.
“We’ve got to be certain,” Kerr stated before the All-Star break. “He’s got to be certain. … It’s a little nebulous, but that’s the nature of the injury.”
On February 5, Curry told ESPN that his knee was “trending in the right direction,” but emphasized the need for caution. “You have to try to acquire rid of all the inflammation and pain,” Curry said. “It’s something we still have to monitor and injury-manage, but it’s something where, if I come back too early, it could flare up.”
The Warriors welcomed Kristaps Porzingis to the team at the trade deadline, acquiring him from Atlanta in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. Porzingis is expected to make his debut against the Celtics, having told reporters he was “ready to go” despite being listed as questionable.
