Is Stephen Curry playing tonight vs the Oklahoma City Thunder? Latest update on the Golden State Warriors star's injury report (January 2, 2026)

Stephen Curry will not play tonight when the Golden State Warriors face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Warriors ruled him out after he suffered a left ankle sprain late in their last game, forcing the team to move forward without its most important player.

The timing makes an already difficult matchup even harder. Golden State is at home, but the opponent is the best team in the Western Conference, and the Warriors will be missing several veterans alongside Curry. The game also draws attention because of league rules around star player availability.

Stephen Curry's injury report vs the Oklahoma City Thunder (January 2, 2026)

Stephen Curry injured his left ankle near the end of Wednesday’s 132-125 win over the Charlotte Hornets. After the game, he referred to it as a familiar issue, pointing to his long history with ankle injuries. He was initially listed as questionable before the team decided to hold him out.

Curry will sit alongside Jimmy Butler, who is dealing with an illness, and Draymond Green, who is resting. All three will miss the nationally televised game at Chase Center. Golden State enters the night with an 18–16 record and has won five of its last six games, but the absences have put the team under league scrutiny tied to the NBA’s Player Participation Policy.

Short-handed Warriors face West-leading Thunder

The challenge is significant. The Oklahoma City Thunder arrive with a 29-5 record and control of the top spot in the West. Without Stephen Curry’s scoring and playmaking, the Golden State Warriors must rely on balance and defense to stay competitive.

Depth will be tested. De’Anthony Melton is out with a knee injury, and Seth Curry remains sidelined with a sciatic nerve issue. Veterans such as Al Horford and Trayce Jackson-Davis are listed as probable, but replacing Curry’s 28.7 points per game is not realistic. The pressure is increased by a packed January schedule that includes 10 home games in an 11-game stretch.

Looking ahead to Stephen Curry’s return

Stephen Curry is still producing at a high level at 37, but lower-body issues have required careful management. This ankle sprain follows earlier quad problems, reinforcing the team’s cautious approach.

Also read: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors regular season game: Full injury report, who's out, where to watch, and more (January 2, 2026)

The Warriors expect the absence to be short. There is optimism that Curry could return as soon as Saturday’s back-to-back against the Utah Jazz. Until then, Golden State will have to find a way to compete without its leader on the floor.