Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is officially available and expected to take the court when his team faces the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, December 29, 2025. In a significant boost for the Warriors, Curry's name is absent from the injury report for this second game of a back-to-back set, clearing him to play at the Barclays Center.
Curry's Heavy Workload and Health Management
This update arrives just one day after Curry logged a hefty 41 minutes and scored 39 points in a tough overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors. That extensive playing time immediately sparked discussions about potential player rest, especially since head coach Steve Kerr mentioned post-game conversations about managing minutes for his veteran core. For now, the team's decision is to proceed with their leading scorer in the lineup.
Curry's availability is particularly noteworthy given his history this season. He previously missed three games in November due to a left quad contusion suffered from a hard collision, which required an MRI. The Warriors notably struggled during that period, posting a 4-5 record without his offensive genius on the floor.
Since making his return on December 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Curry has been a constant presence. His scoring output has remained remarkably steady, averaging between 28 to 29 points per game, and his indispensable role as the engine of Golden State's offense, creating space with his shooting and movement, has not diminished.
Warriors vs Nets: Full Injury and Availability Report
The Warriors are entering this contest with most of their key rotation players ready for action. Alongside Stephen Curry, defensive anchor Draymond Green is also cleared to play. Forward Jimmy Butler is listed as probable due to back soreness, but he did participate in the previous night's game. Veteran big man Al Horford will sit out as part of a routine rest plan for back-to-back games.
On the other side, the Brooklyn Nets will be slightly short-handed but remain competitive. Haywood Highsmith has been ruled out with a knee injury, while Ziaire Williams carries a probable tag due to an ankle issue.
Game Context and What's at Stake for Golden State
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at the Barclays Center. The Warriors, holding a 16-16 record in the middle of the Western Conference standings, are aiming to bounce back and avoid another late-game collapse after their disappointing finish in Toronto.
Historically, Stephen Curry has performed exceptionally well against the Nets. In 29 career games versus Brooklyn, he averages 26.8 points and boasts a strong 19-7 record. He torched the Nets for a combined 68 points in their meetings last season. However, Brooklyn's defensive size could pose problems for the Warriors if they are careless with the ball and allow turnovers to become an issue again.
Securing a victory is crucial for the Warriors to maintain stability during a challenging part of their schedule, which continues with a New Year's Eve matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The team's performance earlier this season without Curry underscored their heavy dependence on him. With their leader back in action, Golden State has a significantly better chance to control the game's tempo and outcome. Ultimately, how Coach Kerr manages his stars' minutes and the team's execution in clutch moments will likely determine if this back-to-back road trip ends with a much-needed win.
