Curry, Horford Questionable as Warriors Prepare to Face Pacers

The Golden State Warriors enter Sunday night’s home game against the Indiana Pacers with questions surrounding the availability of two of their most experienced players. Stephen Curry and Al Horford are both listed as questionable on the NBA’s official injury report — Curry with an illness and Horford with a left foot strain. Their status could significantly impact the Warriors’ rotation and approach against one of the Eastern Conference’s most up-tempo offenses.

Curry, who missed the team’s last two games, sat out Friday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Denver Nuggets, a 129–104 loss that underscored how crucial his presence is to the Warriors’ rhythm. Without their All-Star point guard, Golden State struggled to maintain offensive flow and perimeter spacing, falling behind early and never recovering.

Head coach Steve Kerr has not provided a specific timeline for Curry’s return, emphasizing that the decision will depend on how he feels closer to tip-off. The Warriors’ medical staff continues to monitor his recovery, hoping that rest and treatment will allow him to suit up against Indiana.

Meanwhile, veteran forward Al Horford remains limited by a left foot strain that also kept him out of Friday’s loss. His absence leaves Golden State thin in the frontcourt, particularly on defense and rebounding — areas that could be tested against Indiana’s active front line.

1. Curry’s Season at a Glance

Before his recent illness, Curry had been off to another strong start, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s premier offensive forces. In eight appearances this season, he has averaged 26.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in just over 31 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency remains elite, hitting 45.4% from the field, 38.9% from three, and 95.3% from the free-throw line. Curry’s scoring versatility and floor spacing continue to anchor Golden State’s offense, especially during stretches when the team’s younger guards are still developing chemistry. His ability to generate offense both on and off the ball remains a defining feature of the Warriors’ system, and his absence has been visibly felt. Without him, Golden State’s offensive rating has dipped noticeably. The team has relied more heavily on Klay Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga for scoring, but neither has been able to replicate Curry’s combination of shot creation and leadership. His potential return would not only stabilize the offense but also restore confidence across the lineup. Given Curry’s track record of playing through minor setbacks, the Warriors remain cautiously optimistic that he could return against the Pacers — though the final decision will likely come during pregame warm-ups.

2. Horford’s Adjustment and Challenges

For Horford, this season has represented both an adjustment and a test of endurance. The 38-year-old big man joined Golden State to provide veteran leadership and defensive depth, but recurring foot soreness has limited his ability to find rhythm in the early going. Horford has appeared in six games, averaging 4.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over roughly 22 minutes per contest. His shooting numbers — 29.7% from the field and 20.8% from beyond the arc — mark career lows, highlighting his struggles to get into form while managing his health. The Warriors have been cautious with his minutes, often bringing him off the bench to anchor second units and provide stability on defense. However, the ongoing foot issue has raised concerns about how much he can contribute over the long haul of the season. Given the nature of the injury, Horford appears more likely than Curry to miss Sunday’s contest. His absence would again force Golden State to rely on younger bigs like Trayce Jackson-Davis and Dario Šarić to shoulder the interior workload.

3. Warriors Weigh Depth Ahead of Pacers Matchup

As the Warriors await updates on their two veterans, the focus shifts to how the rest of the roster adapts. Golden State has already been without guard De’Anthony Melton, who continues to recover from ACL surgery, further testing the team’s depth in both the backcourt and frontcourt. If Curry is unable to play, Kerr may once again turn to Brandin Podziemski or Chris Paul to initiate the offense. Both guards have shown flashes of efficiency, but replicating Curry’s scoring gravity remains an uphill task. Offensively, the team may emphasize ball movement and transition play to counter Indiana’s high-scoring pace. The Pacers, known for their fast tempo and efficient offense under head coach Rick Carlisle, present a significant challenge. Golden State’s defensive communication and rebounding — two areas Horford typically helps anchor — will be critical if they hope to contain Indiana’s balanced attack. With the Warriors currently hovering around the middle of the Western Conference standings, Sunday’s game offers a chance to regain momentum. Whether Curry and Horford are available could determine whether Golden State can protect home court or faces another uphill battle.