Stephen Curry will be sidelined for the All-Star Game as well as the Golden State Warriors’ last two games leading up to the break, due to runner’s knee, coach Steve Kerr announced on Monday. The team is optimistic that Curry will be able to return for their first game following the All-Star festivities.
In Curry’s absence, Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors has been selected to take his place in the All-Star Game. This marks Ingram’s second appearance in the event, having previously made the roster while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2019-20 season.
Curry, 37, has not played since January 30 and has missed the Warriors’ last four outings. He will also be absent from the match against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Despite his injury, Curry was named one of the five All-Star starters from the Western Conference, although this season’s format diverges from the traditional East vs. West setup to feature a three-team event involving two U.S. teams and one “World” team.
During what has been another standout season for him, Curry boasts an impressive average of 27.2 points per game, his best since the 2022-23 season, while maintaining shooting percentages of 47% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc, and 93% on free throws. He leads the NBA in both 3-pointers made per game (4.0) and free throw percentage.
With a recent injury to Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have leaned heavily on Curry’s contributions as they navigate the current season, which sees them at a record of 29-25, placing eighth in the Western Conference.
Curry is not the only All-Star unable to participate due to injury; Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is sitting out due to an abdominal strain, and Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün will step in for him on the “World” team. Additionally, Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been added to fill out the rosters for Team USA. Concerns are also growing regarding Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is unlikely to play as well, resulting in the World team currently having nine players confirmed.
The ongoing challenges faced by these star players present a shifting dynamic for the upcoming All-Star Game, but it opens the door for emerging talents to shine on a larger stage.