The Golden State Warriors will navigate a challenging start to the post-All-Star schedule, facing the Boston Celtics on without the services of star guard Stephen Curry. Curry remains sidelined due to a persistent knee issue, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated debut of newly acquired Kristaps Porziņģis.
The Warriors had hoped Curry would be available for the Celtics matchup, but he was unable to participate in a live scrimmage on , according to Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “Just wasn’t where he needed to be,” Kerr said. “It’s unfortunate. We’ll have an update tomorrow after he goes through his time with the training staff.” The nature of Curry’s “runner’s knee” continues to be described as “nebulous,” with the team considering another MRI after consulting with lead medical decision-maker Rick Celebrini, who is currently attending an Olympic hockey tournament in Milan.
Curry initially experienced discomfort in his right knee before the All-Star break, forcing him to miss the final five games leading up to the mid-season pause. He acknowledged on that his knee was “trending in the right direction,” but emphasized the need for caution to avoid a recurrence of the pain. The team has prioritized a careful approach to his recovery, recognizing the risk of exacerbating the injury with a premature return.
Despite the setback with Curry, the Warriors are poised to welcome Porziņģis to the lineup against Boston. Acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in a trade deadline deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga to Atlanta, Porziņģis has been officially listed as questionable but has indicated he is “ready to go.” This debut will be particularly noteworthy given Porziņģis’s previous tenure with the Celtics, where he was a key contributor during their championship run in 2024.
Porziņģis’s arrival in Golden State was initially viewed as a consolation prize after the Warriors’ pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo fell short. However, the 7-foot-3 Latvian presents a unique skillset that could significantly bolster the Warriors’ frontcourt. He brings a combination of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability, potentially addressing some of the team’s weaknesses.
However, Porziņģis has faced his own injury challenges this season, appearing in only 17 games due to illness and Achilles tendonitis. His health will be a key factor in his ability to make a consistent impact for the Warriors. The team will likely manage his workload carefully, particularly in the early stages of his tenure, to ensure he remains available throughout the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.
The Warriors’ decision to acquire Porziņģis signals a continued commitment to contending for a championship. Despite Curry’s injury, the team remains confident in its ability to compete at a high level, particularly with the addition of a versatile player like Porziņģis. The Celtics game will provide an early opportunity to assess the fit between Porziņģis and the Warriors’ core players, including Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
The matchup against Boston is expected to be a challenging one, regardless of Curry’s status. The Celtics are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference and boast a deep and talented roster. The Warriors will need a strong performance from Porziņģis, as well as contributions from their other key players, to secure a victory.
The Warriors’ medical staff will continue to monitor Curry’s progress closely, and an update on his condition is expected following further evaluation. The team will prioritize his long-term health and will not rush him back into the lineup until he is fully recovered. The absence of Curry places an increased burden on the Warriors’ other offensive options, and they will need to step up in his absence.
The Warriors’ ability to navigate this early-season adversity will be a crucial test of their resilience and depth. With Porziņģis set to make his debut and Curry working towards a return, the team remains optimistic about its chances of success. The game against the Celtics will be a significant indicator of the Warriors’ potential as they look to make a strong push for the playoffs.
