Stephen Curry Ruled Out for Warriors vs Bulls Matchup on March 10
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry will be absent from the court when his team hosts the Chicago Bulls on March 10, 2026. The veteran guard continues to grapple with right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as runner's knee, forcing him to remain sidelined as the franchise adopts a cautious recovery strategy.
Curry's Extended Absence and Impact on Warriors
The knee issue first escalated after an MRI in late January, leading to Curry missing over 20 games this season. The Warriors recently extended his recovery timeline by at least another week, prioritizing long-term health over a premature return. His expected comeback is now slated for March 13.
In the 39 games he has played this season, Curry has maintained elite performance, averaging 27.2 points with a 46.8 percent field goal shooting accuracy. His prolonged absence also resulted in him missing the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, underscoring the severity of the injury.
Warriors' Injury Report and Team Struggles
Golden State enters the contest with a 32-32 record, placing them ninth in the highly competitive Western Conference. The team faces significant injury challenges beyond Curry, as detailed in their official injury report:
- Stephen Curry: Out – Right knee patellofemoral pain (Est. Return: Mar 13)
- Jimmy Butler III: Out – Right ACL surgery (Season)
- Moses Moody: Out – Right wrist sprain
- Seth Curry: Out – Left sciatic nerve irritation/back
- Kristaps Porzingis: Out – Illness (Est. Return: Mar 10)
- Al Horford: Out – Toe (Est. Return: Mar 10)
- Draymond Green: Questionable – Back
- Gary Payton II: Probable – Ankle impingement
With Curry unavailable, rookie Brandin Podziemski is anticipated to lead the offense. If Draymond Green plays, he will spearhead defensive efforts alongside Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
The Warriors have notably struggled without their marquee player, posting a 9-16 record in games Curry has missed and losing seven of their last ten outings. They are coming off a narrow 119-116 defeat to the Utah Jazz on March 9 and urgently need a victory to solidify their play-in tournament position.
Bulls' Injury Concerns and Game Outlook
Chicago arrives with a 26-38 record, sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference and having lost eight of their last ten games. The Bulls also contend with multiple injuries:
- Anfernee Simons: Out – Wrist (until Mar 12)
- Noa Essengue: Out – Shoulder (season)
- Zach Collins: Out – Toe (season)
- Jaden Ivey: Out – Knee
- Jalen Smith: GTD – Calf
- Josh Giddey: GTD/Probable – Ankle
When available, Josh Giddey serves as the Bulls' primary playmaker and scorer, averaging 17.6 points and 8.5 assists this season.
Game Prediction and Key Factors
Golden State is favored by 6.5 points for the home game, where they hold a 19-13 record this season. Without Curry, the Warriors will heavily rely on Podziemski, Green, and their rotational players to generate offense and secure a crucial win. Chicago, mired in a slump, aims to capitalize on Golden State's injury-depleted roster to snap their losing streak.
This matchup highlights the broader challenges both teams face in a grueling NBA season, with injuries significantly influencing playoff aspirations and on-court dynamics.
