Stephen Curry MRI Clean, Out At Least Five More Games Knee Issue

Stephen Curry will be re-evaluated in 10 days for a persistent right knee injury, sidelining him for at least five additional games, league sources told ESPN. The team is listing the ailment as patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as "runner's knee."

Curry underwent another MRI in the past 24 hours that came back clean, league sources told ESPN, but persistent pain and swelling have prevented his return to the court.

Steve Kerr expressed optimism before the All-Star break that the swelling would subside and Curry might receive clearance for Thursday night's game for the Golden State Warriors against the Boston Celtics. Curry returned to the facility Wednesday night and informed the training staff he wasn't ready to participate in a live scrimmage. The injury has been flaring up after individual workouts.

"It's just lingering soreness," Kerr said before Thursday's game. "We were hoping he'd be ready for tonight, but it wasn't the case. He just needs more time."

Curry missed the final five games before the All-Star break after persistent pain and swelling forced the team to shut him down. The issue first appeared during an individual workout on January 24 in Minneapolis. He attempted to play through it for several games before eventually shutting down.

"We've got to be certain," Kerr said before the All-Star break. "He's got to be certain. It is a little nebulous, but that's the nature of the injury."

Curry told ESPN on February 5 his right knee was "trending in the right direction," though he would remain cautious before returning.

"You have to try to get rid of all the inflammation and pain," Curry said. "It's something we still have to monitor and injury-manage, but it's something where, if I come back too early, it could flare up."