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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play in the first half during a game aagainst the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on November 18, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors finally received positive news on the status of Stephen Curry, as head coach Steve Kerr confirmed Saturday that the two-time MVP is on track to return this Friday at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves, signaling relief for an injury-stricken roster.

Curry, who has missed the last four games with a quad contusion, did not travel with the team during the road swing. Kerr told reporters before Golden State’s 99–97 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers that the franchise cornerstone has resumed on-court activity and remains aligned with expectations.

“Steph’s doing well,” Kerr said. “He started back on the court yesterday, and everything’s going well.”

Asked whether Curry was realistically expected to rejoin the lineup when the Warriors return home, Kerr was direct:

“Yeah, it’s realistic for sure.”

Before his injury, Curry averaged 27.9 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in 16 games this season while shooting 39.1% from deep, steering Golden State’s offense through a year of roster reshuffling and reliance on developing talent. The Warriors are 9–7 with Curry and improved to 3–5 without him following Saturday’s win.

Two-Way Spark: Pat Spencer’s Breakout Takes Pressure Off Warriors Backcourt

In Curry’s absence, the spotlight has shifted to Pat Spencer, the unheralded two-way contract guard whose recent surge has kept Golden State competitive.

Against Cleveland, Spencer posted a career-best 19 points, including the game-clinching free throws, helping the Warriors snap a two-game losing skid. He added a game-high seven assists while hitting 7-of-12 shots in a sensational performance.

Over his last three games, the 6-foot-2 guard is averaging 17.3 points on 58.8% shooting, 5.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds while going 6-of-8 from three-point range.

“When we have No. 30, we have a clear-cut identity,” Spencer said after their Thursday’s comeback effort in Philadelphia fell short. “When we don’t, we don’t. But I feel like I can be part of that equation.”

Spencer’s strong play has arrived at the perfect time, with Curry (quadriceps), Jimmy Butler (knee), Green (midfoot), Seth Curry (toe) and Al Horford (sciatica) while De’Anthony Melton (knee management) all out of the lineup.

From Lacrosse Final Four to NBA Starter: Spencer’s Unlikely Journey Continues

Spencer’s story is among the most unconventional in the NBA.

A star lacrosse attacker at Loyola, he led the team to the 2016 NCAA Final Four and went on to become the No. 1 pick in the Premier Lacrosse League’s inaugural draft in 2019. Instead of pursuing a career in lacrosse, Spencer opted to use his graduate eligibility to switch sports and play basketball at Northwestern.

He later signed with the Capital City Go-Go of the G League in 2021, impressed enough to earn a Warriors training camp invite, and spent two developmental seasons in Santa Cruz before earning his spot on Golden State’s roster.

Spencer’s Rise Creates Rotation Questions

Spencer will start again on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls, but Curry’s expected return on Friday could signal a shift back to Golden State’s familiar structure. Yet Spencer’s emergence during the Warriors’ thinnest stretch may have carved out a role that didn’t exist a month ago.

Now, as the Warriors prepare to welcome back their star, the next challenge for Kerr may be striking the balance between proven experience and newfound momentum.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that can play and have proven it,” Spencer said. “I don’t envy Steve’s job at all.”

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo