In a significant development for basketball fans, Stephen Curry has been officially cleared to take the court tonight when the Golden State Warriors face the Dallas Mavericks. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for January 22, 2026, at the American Airlines Center, with tip-off set for 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
Curry's Availability Confirmed Amid Tight Playoff Race
The Warriors' superstar guard does not appear on the injury report and is expected to handle his regular workload of minutes. This comes as welcome news for Golden State, especially considering the current context of the Western Conference standings, which have become increasingly competitive as the season progresses.
Curry's presence becomes even more crucial given the injury situations affecting both teams. The Warriors continue to adjust to the absence of Jimmy Butler, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are dealing with multiple rotation losses that have tested their depth throughout the season.
Statistical Dominance and Matchup Advantages
At 37 years old, Stephen Curry remains the focal point of Golden State's offensive strategy. His current season averages of 27.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 46.8 percent from the field demonstrate his continued elite performance level.
The Mavericks' defensive challenges this season could play directly into Curry's strengths. Dallas is allowing opponents to score 116.6 points per game and shoot 34.4 percent from three-point range. Given that Golden State connects on 36.2 percent of their three-point attempts, Curry's legendary range shooting and off-ball movement could prove particularly effective.
Injury Report Breakdown for Both Teams
The Warriors' injury situation centers primarily around Jimmy Butler's long-term absence due to his ACL injury. Beyond that, their core rotation remains largely intact, with Draymond Green continuing as the defensive anchor and players like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post expected to contribute significant minutes.
Dallas faces more immediate challenges with several key players sidelined:
- Kyrie Irving (knee)
- Dante Exum (knee)
- Dereck Lively II (foot)
- Anthony Davis (finger)
Additionally, Daniel Gafford (ankle) and Moussa Cisse (illness) are listed as questionable or probable, further complicating the Mavericks' lineup decisions.
Projected Starting Lineups and Strategic Approaches
Golden State is expected to start with Curry, Podziemski, Moody, Green, and Post—a lineup designed to maximize spacing and shot creation. This configuration allows Curry to operate both as a primary scorer and facilitator, leveraging his unique skill set against Dallas' defensive schemes.
The Mavericks likely counter with Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, and either Daniel Gafford or Dwight Powell, depending on Gafford's availability. This lineup must address perimeter defensive concerns that Curry typically exploits, especially given Dallas' injury-depleted rotation.
Historical Context and Recent Performance
This rivalry has evolved with roster changes, most notably the absence of Klay Thompson from these matchups. The last meeting between these teams occurred on Christmas Day 2025, when Curry scored 23 points in what proved to be a competitive contest.
With both teams missing significant contributors, Curry's availability emerges as the most prominent factor heading into tonight's game. His ability to control pace, create scoring opportunities, and stretch defenses with his shooting range could determine the outcome in a contest with meaningful implications for playoff positioning.
As the Warriors seek to maintain their position in the postseason conversation, Curry's leadership and production will be tested against a Dallas team fighting through its own adversity. The stage is set for another memorable chapter in this Western Conference rivalry.
