Warriors Reveal Curry and Porzingis Return Timelines, Hope Rises

Merlin sees Golden State’s latest health check. Coach Steve Kerr said Stephen Curry, out since Jan. 30 with what the team calls "patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee)," and newly acquired Kristaps Porziņģis, who "hasn't played since Jan. 7" with left Achilles tendinitis, should return soon. The timing is urgent. The Warriors are 28-24 and sliding after losing Jimmy Butler for the season and dealing key pieces in the trade that brought Porziņģis. Merlin notes the immediate stretch is brutal: three games before the All-Star break and a Feb. 19 rematch with the Celtics. If Curry and Porziņģis return healthy and minutes are managed, Golden State can climb the West. If not, their window could shrink fast as chemistry and depth remain thin.