Something’s up with Stephen Curry tonight. The two-time MVP is sidelined for Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Timberwolves after tweaking something in his left leg during the second quarter of Game 1.

It wasn’t anything dramatic; no awkward fall, no wild collision. Curry just made a routine pivot on defense, and that was enough for him to immediately grab at his hamstring and limp off the court. He didn’t return, and now the Warriors have confirmed he’s out for at least a week. That means he’ll miss not just tonight’s Game 2, but also Games 3 and 4, with a re-evaluation set after that.

The MRI confirmed a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and Curry’s being cautious. As he told reporters, he’s “a little ways away” from getting any shots up, stressing that he “can’t accelerate it.” In other words, don’t expect him back any time soon.

With Stephen Curry out, the Warriors are turning to a new-look starting five: Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Quentin Post. It’s a bigger, more physical lineup, likely designed to counter Minnesota’s size while keeping the defensive intensity up in Curry’s absence. But despite the change in strategy, Golden State couldn’t shake off the sluggish start.

The Timberwolves opened the game with an 8–0 run — all created or finished by Jaden McDaniels — and led 29–15 after the first quarter. Golden State looked flat: 35.3% from the field, missed both free throws, and turned it over five times.

And to make matters worse? Draymond is boiling over.

Around the 9-minute mark of the second quarter, Green picked up another technical — putting him just two away from a suspension. He nearly grabbed a second one right after, and Steve Kerr, Jimmy Butler, and even Stephen Curry jumped in to pull him aside. They cooled him off just enough to sub him out.

But even with Curry sidelined, Green on the edge, and a flat start, the Warriors’ biggest challenge wasn’t just about keeping their composure—it was finding a way to win without their best player.

Curry’s Return? Maybe Game 5 — But Don’t Count On It

So, here’s the deal: Stephen Curry’s out for at least the next week after going down with a Grade 1 hamstring strain in Game 1. The Warriors are hoping he can return by Game 5 on May 14, but don’t hold your breath. Grade 1 strains typically take about 7 to 10 days to heal, but this is Curry’s first soft tissue issue, so who knows how he’ll respond.

Stephen Curry showed up for warmups, taking light shots and moving… well, gingerly. It gave the fanbase a tiny glimmer of hope. But let’s be real—don’t expect Curry to make a superhero comeback anytime soon. The Warriors have a mountain to climb without him. Facing Minnesota’s home-court advantage while trying to win on the road? Yeah, that’s going to be fun… Right?

Let’s not forget, Curry missed 12 games during the regular season due to injuries and rest. The Warriors went 7-5 in those matchups, which is fine, but also… not exactly setting the world on fire. Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and Jimmy Butler all stepped up in Curry’s absence — at least, in their own way. But only 4 of those 7 wins were against teams that actually mattered (you know, playoff-bound squads). So, while the Warriors did manage to keep their heads above water, it wasn’t exactly a flawless stretch.

Since Butler rolled into town, Golden State has gone 1-2 without Curry. They’re still figuring out how to gel without him. Curry played 70 of 82 games this season, averaging 24.5 points per game—just being Curry. The Warriors don’t have an easy replacement for that production. Now, they’re hoping someone steps up to fill the scoring void. But Minnesota isn’t just going to hand them that win.

So yeah, Golden State has a lot of work to do. Winning one without Curry? It’s going to be tougher than some fans think. With Minnesota holding home court, the stakes are higher than ever. Let’s see how they handle it.