He did not play on April 9 against the Los Angeles Lakers, with the Warriors opting to sit him on the front end of a back-to-back as part of a controlled recovery plan. The decision was tied to his return from a prolonged absence.

Head coach Steve Kerr and the team’s medical staff have prioritized keeping his healthy for the Play-In Tournament, rather than pushing him in low-stakes regular-season games. His workload is being carefully managed.

Is Stephen Curry injured or being rested?

Stephen Curry is not fully injured but is being managed due to a right knee issue, with the team resting him. According to the injury report, he was listed out for the April 9 game vs. the Lakers due to “right knee injury management”.

The issue is related to what has been described as runner’s knee, the same condition that previously sidelined him for an extended stretch earlier this season. After missing 27 consecutive games, he returned earlier in April but has been on a restricted workload and minutes limit since then.

Golden State’s approach has been cautious rather than reactive. Instead of pushing him through back-to-backs or low-priority games, they have opted to rest him intermittently to avoid aggravating the injury.

When will Stephen Curry return to play?

Stephen Curry’s return date is now expected for tonight’s game, with the Golden State Warriors evaluating his status on a game-by-game basis. Although he had missed time, he is now in line to make his return today.

Head coach Steve Kerr and the medical staff have emphasized a day-to-day evaluation, meaning his status depends on how his knee responds to recovery and treatment between games. There is no indication of a long-term setback.

The timing is key: with the Play-In Tournament approaching, Golden State is prioritizing having him at full strength rather than risking further irritation. That’s why his availability remains game-time dependent.

He is likely to be available for the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings. The star guard logged 26 minutes and scored 29 points in his comeback, and they are expected to continue managing his workload as he ramps back up.

Even with that strong return, the Warriors are approaching his minutes with caution. The NBA team is prioritizing his health ahead of the Play-In Tournament, gradually increasing his time on the floor.

How and when did Stephen Curry get injured?

Stephen Curry suffered his injury in late January, dealing with a persistent right knee issue diagnosed as patellofemoral pain syndrome that sidelined him for over a month and forced him to miss 27 games before returning in early April.

His injury dates back to late January, when he began experiencing discomfort in his right knee and attempted to play through it before being ruled out. The condition—commonly known as “runner’s knee”—causes pain and swelling around the kneecap, making it difficult to maintain explosiveness and mobility.

As the issue worsened, the Golden State Warriors shut him down completely after January 30, beginning a long recovery process. He underwent multiple evaluations, with MRIs showing no structural damage but continued inflammation and discomfort, which delayed his return multiple times.

How has Stephen Curry performed this season?

Stephen Curry has averaged around 27.2 points and 4.8 assists per game this season, remaining one of the NBA’s top offensive players despite his injury setbacks. He was once again performing at an elite level, leading the team offensively and maintaining one of the highest scoring averages of his career.

His 27+ points per game place him among the league’s top scorers, highlighting his continued impact even in his late 30s. His absence, however, significantly affected the team’s performance.

Without him, the franchise struggled to find consistent scoring and went 9–18 during the stretch he was sidelined, underscoring just how vital he is to the Warriors’ system and overall competitiveness.

Since returning, he has quickly reminded everyone of his value. In his first game back, he scored 29 points in just 26 minutes, showing efficiency and rhythm. The Warriors are now focused on gradually increasing his minutes.

James Harden is marked as questionable for the Cavaliers vs. Kings game in the NBA’s official injury report. Additionally, Cleveland’s report lists Harden as “trade pending” for tonight’s contest against Sacramento, indicating there may be more steps to complete before he takes the court.

With this uncertainty, fans must wait for the Cavaliers‘ final announcement to confirm Harden’s availability for the upcoming game. Given that his last appearance with the Clippers was at the end of January, his play tonight seems improbable.

The Cavaliers will have to patiently await Harden’s debut in their lineup, where he will join an impressive roster featuring stars like Donovan Mitchell, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis, among others.

Cavaliers’ projected lineup with Harden

With uncertainty still surrounding Harden’s first game with the team, speculation grows about the Cavaliers’ projected lineup. The team is eager to enhance its impact in the remainder of the season, currently holding a 31-21 record.

Here is the projected Cavaliers lineup with Harden on the court:

• PG: James Harden
• SG: Donovan Mitchell
• SF: Jaylon Tyson
• PF: Dean Wade
• C: Jarrett Allen

Cleveland fans are keenly following the developments regarding Harden, understanding that his contribution will be vital for the team to solidify their playoff aspirations this season.

According to Shams Charania, the Sacramento Kings and the Dallas Mavericks have both shown interest in Kuminga, with several other teams also monitoring the situation. The Warriors are prioritizing expiring contracts in return and are reluctant to take on long-term salary unless the deal represents clear positive value for the franchise.

One factor that could strengthen Sacramento’s position is Golden State’s stance on the return package. The Warriors have no interest in acquiring Malik Monk in a Kuminga trade, but the inclusion of Keon Ellis could significantly change their evaluation and reopen discussions between both teams.

From Sacramento’s perspective, acquiring Kuminga would represent a major upgrade in athleticism and physical presence. He would fit well alongside Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Dennis Schroder, and Russell Westbrook, reinforcing a roster that appears increasingly built to compete at a high level in the Western Conference.

The situation with the Mavericks

While the Kings appear well-positioned, Kuminga’s interests extend beyond the Western Conference, as he has already drawn attention from at least one Eastern Conference team. That factor adds complexity to Golden State’s negotiations and could influence how aggressively teams pursue a deal.

According to Shams Charania, there is mutual interest between the Dallas Mavericks and Kuminga. However, a potential move to Dallas is more complicated due to the Mavericks’ limited trade assets and their overall negotiating flexibility compared to other suitors.

If discussions between the Warriors and the Mavericks advance, Anthony Davis would likely be the Mavericks’ primary high-value trade chip. Still, Golden State would face competition for Davis in the East, as the Toronto Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks have also entered the conversation surrounding the All-Star forward.

That said, the Warriors are focused on immediate impact while maximizing the remaining NBA championship window built around Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green. This makes a Davis-centered deal uncertain, especially after Davis sustained ligament damage in his left hand during a recent loss to the Jazz. He is expected to undergo surgery and will be sidelined for several months, raising serious concerns about reliability and short-term availability.

Veteran Russell Westbrook has surpassed Hall of Fame guard Magic Johnson for seventh place on the NBA’s all-time assists leaderboard. After Westbrook starred for the Kings in overtime during a 125-114 win against the Houston Rockets, he continued his impressive week for Sacramento.

Westbrook eclipsed Johnson’s 10,141 career assists in the first quarter of Saturday’s game against the Mavericks. By doing so, he officially moved into seventh place on the NBA’s all-time assist leaders list, surpassing the record of Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.

An assist to Keon Ellis in the first quarter against the Mavericks helped Westbrook climb the league’s assist record books, marking a major milestone in his storied career.

Westbrook’s numbers with the Kings and the next target

Westbrook is averaging 14.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.9 rebounds for the Kings this season. He joined Sacramento as his seventh NBA team via a one-year, $3.6 million veteran’s minimum contract this past offseason.

The next target for Westbrook is Mark Jackson’s career total of 10,334 assists. John Stockton remains the all-time leader with 15,806 assists across his 19-year NBA career.

Westbrook now trails only John Stockton (15,806), followed by Chris Paul (12,552), Jason Kidd (12,091), LeBron James (11,673), Steve Nash (10,335), and Mark Jackson (10,334) on the NBA’s career assists leaderboard.

Westbrook’s career achievements

This latest milestone adds to an already decorated career. Westbrook is a nine-time NBA All-Star, former NBA MVP (2017), and two-time scoring champion. He has also led the league in assists three times and remains the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles.

According to the latest official NBA injury report for Saturday, December 27, the Mavericks have ruled out Davis due to right adductor soreness, for tonight’s matchup in Sacramento.

Davis gave the Dallas faithful a major scare during a Christmas Day loss to the Golden State Warriors. Early in the second quarter, the 10-time All-Star abruptly stopped during a fast break and limped directly to the bench clutching his groin.

After being evaluated in the locker room by the team’s medical staff, he was officially ruled out for the remainder of the contest with what the team described as groin spasms.

While the “questionable” tag offered a glimmer of hope for tonight’s tip-off, reports suggested a more cautious timeline. ESPN’s Shams Charania indicated Friday that Davis is dealing with a minor groin strain and is expected to miss a few games, with the team likely to prioritize his long-term health.

Mavericks’ season not going as planned

The 2025-26 campaign has not gone as planned for Dallas. Despite the high-profile addition of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks sit at 12-20 on the year, largely due to a revolving door of injuries. Davis has been the centerpiece of those concerns, appearing in just 16 of the team’s 32 games so far.

The Mavs enter tonight’s contest severely shorthanded, already missing Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum, all of whom are out with long-term injuries. Brandon Williams (calf) is listed as doubtful, while rookie Moussa Cisse is also questionable.

Kings face their own depth crisis

Fortunately for Dallas, the Sacramento Kings (7-23) are also decimated. The Kings will be without three of their primary starters tonight, as Domantas Sabonis (knee), Zach LaVine (ankle), and Keegan Murray (calf) have all been ruled out. Backup big man Drew Eubanks also remains sidelined, leaving Sacramento with a paper-thin frontcourt.

According to a report from Marc J. Spears in The Stein Line, involving players like DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook, and Zach LaVine, a disconnect is allegedly growing between the veteran players and the coaching staff. Spears elaborated on the current situation that is reportedly unfolding within the team.

As the Kings strive to make a strong impact in the upcoming season, partly by considering significant roster changes, the fanbase eagerly awaits potential new additions. Speculation abounds on whether the team will pursue trades for DeRozan, Westbrook, and LaVine in an attempt to bounce back.

Of course, such a comprehensive overhaul of a talent-laden roster is not a straightforward endeavor. Careful analysis is necessary to ensure that any potential replacements provide a meaningful impact not only in the current season but in future ones as well.

DeRozan: The player most likely to be traded

Further reports about the future of each player hinge on which teams express interest as the trade deadline approaches. The situation appears especially challenging for Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis, but Sam Amick of The Athletic noted that DeRozan might be a more tradable asset.

“DeMar DeRozan could find a new home, but it will be difficult to move Zach LaVine’s and Domantas Sabonis’ contracts,” Amick revealed on Run It Back. This statement adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of two of the NBA’s most renowned players today.

Under these circumstances, Kings supporters anticipate discovering the best available options in the offseason to significantly influence the regular season’s upcoming games.

According to a report by The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Clippers could be interested in a deal that would bring DeMar DeRozan to Los Angeles. “DeMar DeRozan, the 36-year-old whom league sources say is garnering interest from the LA Clippers, has a partial guarantee on his contract for next season (approximately \$10 million of his \$25.7 million),” Amick wrote.

With potential interest in DeRozan and the Kings reportedly open to offers for almost every player on their roster except two, the Clippers could bolster their lineup, which is currently missing key players like Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal due to injuries.

Despite James Harden’s leadership, the Clippers have yet to exhibit consistent, high-level performance this season. It seems to be an opportune moment for the team to make critical roster decisions to reverse its fortunes in the ongoing regular season.

Clippers’ reported decision on John Collins

In part of their rumored strategy to reinforce the squad for the remainder of the season, John Collins is reportedly a name the Clippers are considering placing on the trade market, aiming to acquire an impactful player who can aid head coach Tyronn Lue.

According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Clippers plan to shop Collins to also match salary requirements in a potential trade for a more potent asset. “The Clippers will shop John Collins on the trade market in hopes of finding a more impactful fit. Collins’ $26.6 million expiring contract allows Los Angeles to match salary on a larger contract in a deal,” Sidery wrote on his X account.

Given the current scenario, Clippers fans are eagerly anticipating positive developments for the remainder of the season, as the team’s performance thus far has fallen short of expectations, and they are eager for a turnaround.

Evan Sidery of Forbes reports that Kuminga could be part of a significant trade with the Kings, who expressed interest in him during the preseason. “The Kings and Warriors, who had dialogue around Jonathan Kuminga, are widely expected to pick up talks again ahead of the deadline around a bigger framework,“ Sidery noted on his social media account.

Given the current scenario, it’s understandable why veteran player Jimmy Butler recently turned the alarms on Kuminga’s current mindset. Even as Kuminga deals with his injury, head coach Steve Kerr has admitted to being out of the loop regarding the player’s activities and status.

With a crowded Warriors roster featuring Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and the injured Al Horford, Kuminga might struggle to find his niche within the team. A franchise like the Kings could provide the platform Kuminga needs to showcase his abilities more prominently.

Kings and Warriors could consider blockbuster trade

As the Kings seek to strengthen their lineup for a better regular season showing, the Warriors appear open to trading some players to enhance their own roster. The Kings are reportedly interested in acquiring top talent to boost their season performance.

Sidery states that the Warriors could contemplate including Moses Moody alongside Kuminga in a trade proposal. “Golden State can build a compelling package around Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield for Domantas Sabonis and Keon Ellis,” Sidery reported.

Kuminga’s anticipated return

As Kuminga battles bilateral patellar tendinitis, Kerr provided an update on the player’s condition and expressed concern about his commitment during his recovery period. Kerr addressed the media on Sunday on this matter.

“I don’t know where he’s at; he needs to communicate his progress. He hasn’t been active. While the training staff works with him, I’m not informed about his progress,“ Kerr remarked, indicating a less-than-ideal relationship with Kuminga at this time.

In this context, rumors have surfaced suggesting the Kings are poised to make significant changes to their roster. Despite having notable players like Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, a report by Jack Fisher of The Stein Line indicates that the team is open to trading anyone ahead of the deadline, with the exceptions of Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford.

The Kings appear to be in search of a fresh start, as the current results have fallen short of preseason expectations. Consequently, the organization seems prepared to overhaul their squad in pursuit of better outcomes.

Head coach Doug Christie faces the challenge of navigating these tumultuous waters, as rumors swirl and the team’s performance has not met the expectations set by the NBA community this season.

Kings starting five’s performance this regular season

To gain better insight into the Kings’ situation and their potential roster changes, it’s imperative to evaluate the performance of their starting five. This group, featuring Westbrook, DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis, holds notable recognition within Sacramento.

• PG Dennis Schroder – Games: 9; Record: 3-6
• SG Zach LaVine – Games: 9; Record: 3-6
• SF DeMar DeRozan – Games: 9; Record: 3-6
• PF Domantas Sabonis – Games: 9; Record: 3-6
• C/F Russell Westbrook – Games: 7 (Most frequent 5th starter); Record: 2-5

Among these players, Schroder has the lowest scoring average, with just 12.8 points per game. Additionally, Sabonis and Westbrook are both underperforming at the free-throw line, with rates of 72% and 63% respectively, falling below the league average.

With the season unfolding in this manner, reports have surfaced concerning the Kings’ strategy leading up to the trade deadline. The front office is reportedly contemplating trading key players, as noted by Evan Sidery of Forbes, who cited Dave Carmichael of Sac Town Sports.

“The Kings are preparing for a full-scale rebuild, which will involve attempting to trade their top players this season,” Carmichael reported. “Sacramento will gauge trade value for Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and others,” Sidery wrote on his X account.

Given this landscape, a blockbuster trade might be on the horizon for the Kings, as the organization seeks to make a more significant impact throughout the rest of this regular season and into future campaigns.

Performance of Kings’ key players so far this season

To understand the performance of these key players and the rationale behind potentially renewing the team without them, we must examine the contributions of DeRozan, Sabonis, and LaVine, the main faces of the Kings.

Starting with LaVine, acquired last season from the Bulls, he has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t been enough for the Kings. As a starter in 9 games, he has averaged 25.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. DeRozan, likewise in 9 games, has averaged 20.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while Sabonis, playing the same number of games, has recorded 15.3 points per game, 14.0 assists, and 3.95 rebounds.

Despite these reports, considering these figures makes it challenging to believe the Kings’ supposed intentions, as these players have just begun the season, and their performance might improve in subsequent matchups.