Steve Kerr had every reason to be concerned. After Stephen Curry was forced to leave the game against the Houston Rockets early, medical tests confirmed an abdominal oblique muscle tearwith the Warriors superstar set to be reevaluated in two weeks.
But his absence could last considerably longer.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charaniathe Golden State Warriors are preparing for the possibility of being without Steph for around a month.
To put the potential recovery timeline into perspective, Joel Embiid and Austin Reaves both missed roughly a month with similar injuries last season, while Paolo Banchero was sidelined for more than two months during the 2024-25 campaign.
Of course, every injury is different, and the recovery process will largely depend on the severity of the tear. Still, Golden State is already aware that Curry could be sidelined longer than initially expected.
Despite the setback, Draymond Green believes this version of the Warriors is better equipped to handle the absence of the two-time MVP.
The spirit of this team is better. We have a much better understanding of who we are and what makes us a good team. I think that puts us in a better position to win without Steph than we were last year
Draymond Green
Green also highlighted the importance of several teammates, particularly Yaxel Lendeborg and Brandin Pod Ziemia.
Now we also have Lendeborg, a guy you can give the ball to who knows how to create an advantage. Podziemski is playing much better. All of that puts us in a better position
Draymond Green
Green’s confidence is understandable, but replacing Stephen Curry remains anything but easy.