![\"Stephen](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775268877_118_GettyImages-1764228187-e1774925283679.jpg\")
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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three point shot.<\/p>\n
Stephen Curry<\/a> could be nearing his return to the court after an extended absence.<\/p>\n The Golden State Warriors<\/a> star is expected to be cleared to return Sunday against the Houston Rockets<\/a>, according to ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania.<\/p>\n \u201cGolden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is expected to be cleared to return on Sunday against the Houston Rockets after missing over two months and 27 consecutive games due to a persistent knee injury, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater,\u201d Charania wrote<\/a> on X.<\/p>\n The potential return would mark a significant step for both Curry and the Warriors as the regular season winds down.<\/p>\n Extended Absence Nearing End<\/p>\n Curry has not played since sustaining the injury on Jan. 30, sidelining him for one of the longest stretches of his career.<\/p>\n The Warriors have taken a cautious approach to his recovery, emphasizing long-term health while gradually increasing his workload in recent weeks.<\/p>\n Recovery Progress Builds Toward Return<\/p>\n Curry\u2019s expected return follows steady progress over the past week.<\/p>\n On April 1, the Warriors announced<\/a> that Curry had completed his first full five-on-five scrimmage<\/a> as part of his recovery from patellofemoral pain syndrome and a bone bruise in his right knee.<\/p>\n \u201cIt felt great,\u201d Curry said at the time, via ESPN<\/a>. \u201cI\u2019m checking the boxes. But with this, it\u2019s always unpredictable because I don\u2019t know how the knee will respond because it hasn\u2019t responded well in the past attempts to get to this five-on-five level.\u201d<\/p>\n Curry continued to ramp up activity in the days that followed, participating in multiple scrimmage sessions this week, including three consecutive days of 5-on-5 action.<\/p>\n That progression aligns with earlier reporting from Charania that Curry had been targeting a return against Houston, with the final decision dependent on how his knee responds to increased workload.<\/p>\n Kerr Provides Encouraging Update<\/p>\n Warriors coach Steve Kerr offered a positive assessment following Curry\u2019s latest scrimmage.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything went well,\u201d Kerr told reporters<\/a> on Thursday. \u201cHe looked good.\u201d<\/p>\n Kerr went further to add a more glowing review of Curry\u2019s current form.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s pretty good. He looks like Steph Curry,\u201d Kerr added.<\/p>\n Kerr added that Curry and vice president of player health and performance Rick Celebrini could decide as soon as Friday whether he will be cleared, depending on how his knee responds.<\/p>\n Warriors Slide Without Curry<\/p>\n Golden State has struggled in recent games without its star guard.<\/p>\n The Warriors have lost three straight, including a 118-111 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> on Thursday.<\/p>\n Donovan Mitchell<\/a> led Cleveland with 25 points, while Max Strus<\/a> added 24, including a late 3-pointer that helped seal the win.<\/p>\n For Golden State, Gui Santos<\/a> and Brandin Podziemski<\/a> scored 25 points apiece as the team continued to adjust offensively in Curry\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n The Warriors have posted a 9-18 record that dropped them to 10th place in the Western Conference since Curry\u2019s injury.<\/p>\n Rotation and Reinforcements<\/p>\n Golden State received contributions across the roster as it navigates injuries and lineup changes.<\/p>\n Draymond Green<\/a> moved into third place on the franchise\u2019s all-time rebounding list, while Gary Payton<\/a> II matched his career high with 12 rebounds.<\/p>\n The Warriors have leaned on depth and defensive effort to remain competitive during Curry\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n Rockets Matchup Adds Intrigue<\/p>\n The Warriors are scheduled to host the Rockets on Sunday, a game that could mark Curry\u2019s return.<\/p>\n The matchup also carries recent playoff context, with the Warriors eliminating the Rockets in seven games in the first round last postseason.<\/p>\n Houston has emerged as a competitive team in the Western Conference, adding further significance to the timing of Curry\u2019s potential comeback.<\/p>\n Monitoring Final Clearance<\/p>\n While Curry is expected to be cleared, the final decision will depend on medical evaluation and how he responds following recent scrimmage activity.<\/p>\n The Warriors have emphasized caution throughout his recovery, and any return would likely include managed minutes.<\/p>\n Still, the latest developments suggest that Curry\u2019s extended absence could soon come to an end.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tAlder Almo<\/a> is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Warriors\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Getty Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three point shot. 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