Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry continues to show encouraging signs in his recovery from right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and bone bruising, with the team announcing March 21, 2026, that he has intensified on-court workouts and will soon join live action and team practices.

Golden State's Stephen Curry, left, and Klay Thompson, right face a must-win situation in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

The four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP has missed the last 20 games since his last appearance on Jan. 30 against the Detroit Pistons. During that stretch, the Warriors have struggled, posting a sub-.500 record that has jeopardized their push for a play-in tournament spot in the Western Conference standings.

In the official update from the Warriors released March 21, the team stated: "The re-evaluation indicated that Curry continues to make good progress. He has intensified his individual on-court workouts and, as next steps, he will be incorporated into live action and team practices in the coming days. He will be re-evaluated again after the team returns home next week."

Curry's condition, commonly referred to as "runner's knee," involves inflammation and pain around the kneecap, exacerbated by bone bruising. Earlier reports indicated he received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to address persistent swelling, a treatment that has contributed to recent improvements. No swelling has been reported in recent workouts, a key positive sign according to ESPN's Shams Charania on March 18.

Head coach Steve Kerr provided additional context in recent media sessions, including a March 22 appearance on NBC Sports Bay Area, where he detailed Curry's progression toward full team integration. Kerr noted Curry would participate in a morning practice session before travel, with head trainer Rick Celebrini evaluating him to determine if it involves five-on-five scrimmaging or controlled contact. "He's going to play tomorrow morning here before we go to Dallas," Kerr said, emphasizing the evaluation as the critical next step.

The Warriors ruled Curry out for their March 22 game against the Atlanta Hawks and the March 23 matchup at the Dallas Mavericks, per ESPN's Anthony Slater. Those absences mark the immediate continuation of his streak, but the plan shifts toward reintegration upon the team's return to the Bay Area. The homestand begins March 26 against the Brooklyn Nets, followed by a March 28 game versus the Washington Wizards — potential targets for Curry's comeback if clearance comes swiftly.

The injury timeline traces back to late January, with initial sidelining announcements describing patellofemoral issues. A March 11 update extended his absence by at least 10 days, pushing evaluations to mid-March. Progress accelerated in recent weeks: strong on-court sessions in Boston included running, cutting, movement and light contact without setbacks. Charania described "cautious optimism" for a late-March return, noting Curry's workouts resembled his signature explosive style.

Curry's absence has amplified challenges for a Warriors squad already navigating roster depth concerns. Averaging a team-high 27.2 points per game before the injury — along with elite shooting efficiency from beyond the arc — his void has strained the offense. The team has leaned on players like Jimmy Butler (acquired in prior offseason moves) and younger contributors, but inconsistent results have left Golden State hovering around .500 in a competitive West.

The franchise views Curry's return as pivotal for playoff positioning. With the regular season winding down, every game counts in the race for seeding. A healthy Curry, even in limited minutes initially, could provide a spark with his gravity-drawing playmaking and three-point shooting.

Medical experts note patellofemoral pain syndrome often responds well to conservative management, including rest, targeted strengthening and anti-inflammatory treatments like PRP. Bone bruising typically resolves over weeks to months, and Curry's age — turning 38 in March — adds caution to ramp-up protocols. The Warriors' medical staff, led by Celebrini, has prioritized long-term health over rushed returns.

Fan and media reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive, with social media buzzing over the latest updates. Many highlight Curry's durability throughout his career, noting this as one of his longer absences. Previous knee flare-ups have been managed effectively, and optimism prevails that he can regain form quickly.

As the team prepares for the road finale in Dallas, focus shifts to Curry's practice participation and Tuesday's re-evaluation upon home arrival. If no setbacks occur, a debut during the Chase Center homestand appears realistic, potentially boosting morale and performance at a critical juncture.

The Warriors continue monitoring other injuries, including updates on players like Moses Moody (wrist), but Curry's status dominates headlines. His eventual clearance will mark a significant milestone in the 2025-26 campaign.

With the NBA playoffs looming, Golden State's fortunes could hinge on the sharpshooter's availability. The latest developments suggest the wait may soon end, offering hope to a franchise built around one of the game's greatest talents.