Houston Reacts as Steph Curry’s Injury Shakes Up Western Conference Race

Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry will miss at least one week with a thigh injury, creating a shift that Houston Rockets fans will be watching closely. As the Western Conference remains tight, any absence from a major star could influence the playoff race. The news also comes as the Rockets continue to build momentum and seek every possible edge.

Steph Curry Sidelined After Thigh Injury

The Warriors announced that Curry suffered a thigh contusion and will be re-evaluated in one week. His absence removes Golden State's leading scorer and primary offensive engine. While the team has dealt with injuries this season, losing Curry again places additional pressure on its young rotation.

The injury occurred during a stretch when the Warriors have struggled to maintain consistency. Because of that, the timing raises concerns for Golden State as it works to stay competitive in a crowded conference. Curry's availability often determines how far the team can push late in the season.

Impact on the Western Conference Race

The Rockets, who continue to gain ground in the standings, benefit when other contenders lose key players. Although the Warriors currently sit outside the top tier, their performance still affects the overall balance in the West. Several teams are separated by narrow margins, and short injury windows can create meaningful swings.

As teams jockey for position, this injury may influence matchups and momentum. Because each game matters in the chase for playoff seeding, Houston fans are watching closely from Houston.

Why It Matters for the Houston Rockets

Houston must capitalize when rival teams face adversity. Curry’s absence could:

• Improve the Rockets’ chances of climbing above mid-tier competitors.
• Create a softer schedule for teams the Rockets face soon.
• Allow Houston to narrow gaps in the standings if it continues its strong defensive play.

Because the Rockets aim to reestablish themselves as a postseason threat, every shift in the conference landscape matters. Even a one-week absence for a rival star can influence playoff math.

What’s Next

The Warriors will reassess Curry’s condition in seven days. If he recovers on schedule, he may return before Golden State faces its toughest stretch of the month. If the injury lingers, the Warriors could slip further behind, creating an opening for teams like Houston to push ahead.

The Rockets, meanwhile, continue focusing on internal growth. They have stressed defensive discipline, ball movement and bench production. As long as they stay healthy, they remain in a strong position to benefit from any turbulence across the conference.

This article is a summary of reporting by The Press Democrat. Read the full story here.