Stephen Curry's Hamstring Strain Sidelines Him for Three Games in Warriors-Timberwolves Playoff Series

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry will miss at least three games in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain sustained in Game 1. The Warriors won the opener 99-88 but lost Game 2, 117-93, without Curry, tying the series 1-1. Curry will be reevaluated in a week, making his Game 5 status uncertain. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards returned for Minnesota in Game 2, contributing to their victory. The series now moves to the Bay Area for Games 3 and 4, with Curry's absence posing a challenge for the Warriors.

Curry’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

Curry sustained the injury midway through the second quarter of Game 1 on Tuesday, grabbing at his left hamstring after a defensive pivot. He exited the game with 13 points in 13 minutes and did not return. An MRI conducted the following day confirmed a Grade 1 strain, the mildest form of hamstring injury, but one that still requires careful management.

“This is new,” Curry said Thursday, speaking to reporters before Game 2. “There has to be a healing process. You can’t accelerate it more than what it’s telling you.”

The Warriors announced that Curry will be reevaluated in one week, which rules him out for Games 2, 3, and 4. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, eight days after the injury occurred. While the average recovery time for a Grade 1 hamstring strain is approximately 10 days, Curry emphasized that he has no target return date and is taking a cautious approach.

“I’m a little ways away from even taking stationary jump shots,” he added. “It’s a lot right now.”

Warriors Without Curry: A Familiar Challenge

Golden State has experience playing without Curry in the postseason. The team is 9-4 in playoff games without him over his career, including a 7-5 record in games he missed during the 2024-25 regular season. In Game 1, the Warriors managed to hold off the Timberwolves thanks to strong performances from Buddy Hield and Draymond Green, who combined for seven three-pointers.

However, Game 2 told a different story. Without Curry’s offensive gravity, the Warriors struggled to generate consistent scoring. Jonathan Kuminga led the team with 18 points, but Golden State shot just 28.1% from beyond the arc and never led in the game. The Timberwolves opened with a 13-0 run and maintained control throughout.

“We’ve got to figure out the next formula,” head coach Steve Kerr said after the loss. “We’ve done this before, and we’re confident we can do it again.”

Anthony Edwards Returns, Timberwolves Respond

Minnesota’s Game 2 win was buoyed by the return of Anthony Edwards, who had exited in the second quarter with a sprained left ankle. After being listed as questionable, Edwards returned to start the second half and finished with 20 points and nine rebounds. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20 off the bench.

Edwards’ return energized the home crowd and helped the Timberwolves even the series. Minnesota shot 43.2% from three-point range and forced 15 turnovers, capitalizing on Golden State’s lack of offensive rhythm without Curry.

Upcoming Schedule

With the series tied 1-1, the focus now shifts to the Bay Area for Games 3 and 4. Game 3 is set for Saturday, May 10, and Game 4 will follow on Monday, May 12. Curry will miss both contests, and his availability for Game 5 remains uncertain pending his reevaluation.

If necessary, Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, and Game 7 would be played on Tuesday, May 20. The extended break between Games 5 and 6 could provide Curry with additional recovery time, but no timeline has been confirmed.

Warriors’ Adjustments and Lineup Changes

In Curry’s absence, the Warriors have turned to a mix of veterans and young players to fill the void. Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga have seen increased minutes, while Brandin Podziemski and Quinten Post have been inserted into the starting lineup. Jimmy Butler, acquired midseason, has taken on a larger offensive role, contributing 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in Game 1.

Still, the team’s offensive efficiency has taken a hit. According to data from the regular season and playoffs, the Warriors’ offensive rating drops by 20 points per 100 possessions when Curry is off the floor.

“We all want [No. 30] back,” Butler said after Game 1. “But we want him to do what’s best for himself and for our group. Until then, we can hold down the fort.”

Series Outlook

The Warriors and Timberwolves are now locked in a best-of-five series, with Golden State needing to find answers without their franchise cornerstone. Minnesota, meanwhile, will look to build on the momentum from Game 2 and take advantage of Curry’s absence.

The next two games at Chase Center will be critical in determining the trajectory of the series. With Curry sidelined and Edwards back in the fold, both teams face pivotal adjustments as the Western Conference semifinals continue.

Stephen Curry's Hamstring Strain Sidelines Him for Three Games in Warriors-Timberwolves Playoff Series

Key Updates

Donovan Mitchell Scores 43 Points as Cavaliers Beat Pacers 126-104 in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Semifinals

Cleveland Cavaliers Dominate Indiana Pacers 126-104 in Game 3 After Haliburton's Game 2 Buzzer-Beater

Warriors' Draymond Green Receives Fifth Technical Foul for Elbowing Timberwolves' Naz Reid in Game 2 Loss

Warriors' Draymond Green Challenges 'Angry Black Man' Stereotype After Fifth Playoff Technical Foul