The Golden State Warriors are fighting to keep their season on track, but they might have to do it without their MVP. As they prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, the conversation in the Bay Area isn’t about defensive schemes or rotation adjustments. It’s about whether Stephen Curry is healthy enough to save them from falling further below .500.
The Golden State Warriors sit at 11-12, a frustrating start for a team with championship DNA. In a loaded Western Conference, every game matters, and dropping a home contest to Cleveland could be a major setback. But with Curry’s status up in the air, the Warriors face a nervous wait before tipoff.
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Will Stephen Curry Suit Up Against the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Even though the Warriors made headlines by acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat midway through last season, this is still Curry’s team. He remains the engine of the offense and the face of the franchise. While he has played at an elite level during the 2025-26 campaign, the reality of his age means nagging injuries are a constant concern.
That concern has become a reality for this matchup. Injury reports indicate Curry is expected to miss the game with a bruised thigh. While a bruise may sound minor, the Warriors must be cautious. They need Curry at 100% for the postseason stretch run, not limping through a regular-season game in December.
The bad news doesn’t stop there. Butler and veteran big man Al Horford are also dealing with their own health issues, leaving the roster thin. This situation forces the younger Warriors to step into the spotlight, but it also gives Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers a prime opportunity to snag a home win.
Can the Cleveland Cavaliers Capitalize on Golden State’s Health Issues?
Cleveland has moved well past the post-LeBron James rebuilding era. Since landing Mitchell, they have cemented themselves as legitimate threats in the East. Their 14-10 record shows they are on pace for another playoff appearance, provided they can maintain their momentum.
However, the Cavs aren’t exactly coming into this game at full strength either. Key contributors Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, and Sam Merrill are all managing injuries that could keep them on the sideline. These potential absences would leave Cleveland vulnerable in the paint and on the perimeter.
With both rosters banged up, this game becomes difficult to predict. The Warriors might be slight favorites simply because they are the more desperate team at the moment. They need a win to fix that 11-12 record. But if Cleveland’s depth holds up, fans could see a tight battle regardless of who is in street clothes.