The Golden State Warriors received a devastating blow to their 2025-26 campaign on Thursday as the team confirmed that superstar point guard Stephen Curry will miss at least 10 more days due to persistent swelling in his right knee. The diagnosis, officially identified as "runner's knee" or patellofemoral pain syndrome, not only sidelines the franchise cornerstone during a critical playoff push but also officially disqualifies him from 2026 All-NBA honors under the league's strict 65-game eligibility rule.

For Warriors fans holding onto hope that Curry's recent absence was merely precautionary, the update paints a more concerning picture. While an MRI conducted Wednesday night revealed no major structural damage—avoiding a season-ending catastrophe—the persistent inflammation has proven stubborn. This latest setback ensures Curry will miss the threshold required to compete for major postseason awards, effectively ending his prestigious streak of All-NBA selections and altering the landscape of the Western Conference playoff race.

'Runner's Knee' Diagnosis: No Structural Damage, But Lingering Pain

According to the official release from the Warriors organization, Curry underwent a second MRI on Wednesday to address the "lingering soreness" that has kept him out of action since January 30. The imaging confirmed that while his ligaments and cartilage remain intact, he is suffering from significant bone bruising and irritation consistent with runner's knee.

Head coach Steve Kerr addressed the media ahead of the team's Thursday night clash, offering a somber but realistic assessment of his star's condition. "It's just lingering soreness," Kerr explained. "We were hoping he'd be ready for tonight, but it wasn't the case. He just needs more time."

The medical staff has set a re-evaluation timeline of 10 days, meaning Curry will miss a crucial stretch of games against high-caliber opponents, including the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers. For a 37-year-old athlete with Curry's mileage, "runner's knee" is often a signal of overuse, requiring rest and rehabilitation rather than surgical intervention. Dr. Nirav Pandya, a sports medicine specialist often cited in Warriors coverage, noted that while the clean MRI is "good news," the primary challenge is managing pain and swelling to prevent secondary injuries upon return.

The 65-Game Rule: All-NBA Eligibility Officially Gone

Beyond the immediate on-court impact, this extended absence triggers a significant contractual and historical consequence: Stephen Curry is now mathematically eliminated from 2025-26 All-NBA consideration. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement's NBA 65-game rule, players must appear in at least 65 regular-season games (playing at least 20 minutes in most) to qualify for MVP, All-NBA, and All-Defensive teams.

Curry, who has already missed 15 games this season, needed to play in nearly every remaining contest to maintain eligibility. With the 10-day re-evaluation period guaranteeing he will miss at least five more matchups, his total absences will surpass the 17-game limit allowed by the league. This disqualification snaps an impressive five-year streak of All-NBA selections for the two-time MVP and opens up a spot on the prestigious roster for other rising guards in the Western Conference.

The rule, designed to curb "load management," has drawn criticism for penalizing legitimate injuries to veteran stars. For Curry, who was averaging a stellar 27.2 points and 4.8 assists prior to the injury, the disqualification is a formality that doesn't reflect his elite level of play when healthy. However, it serves as a harsh reminder of the physical toll the season has taken on Golden State's roster.

Warriors Playoff Race 2026: Surviving Without Steph

The timing of this Stephen Curry injury update could not be worse for Golden State. Sitting at 29-26 and clinging to the 8th seed in the West, the Warriors are in a precarious position. The team has struggled mightily without their captain, posting a disappointing 6-10 record in games he has missed this season. With the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers breathing down their necks, every game in this upcoming stretch carries significant weight.

Porzingis Debut Offers Glimmer of Hope

In a twist of timing, the Warriors are expected to debut their major trade deadline acquisition, Kristaps Porziņģis, during this very stretch where Curry sits. The 7-foot-3 center, acquired to bolster the frontcourt, will likely be on a minutes restriction as he integrates into Kerr's system. While Porziņģis cannot replace Curry's playmaking or leadership, his spacing and rim protection will be vital if the Warriors hope to tread water until their MVP returns.

The offensive burden will now shift heavily to Jonathan Kuminga and the supporting cast to generate scoring against elite defenses. The "next man up" mentality is a cliché in sports, but for a Warriors team fighting to avoid the volatility of the Play-In Tournament, it is now an operational necessity.

What This Means for the Warriors' Season

The next two weeks will define the Warriors' season. If Curry returns promptly after the 10-day window with the swelling subsided, Golden State still possesses the firepower to make a deep postseason run. However, "runner's knee" can be notoriously tricky, often flaring up if a player returns too quickly.

For now, the focus shifts from accolades to availability. The All-NBA distinction is gone, but the championship window remains slightly ajar—provided the greatest shooter in history can get back on the floor before the playoff picture slips away completely.