Even with the anticipated return of superstar Steph Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ chances of a deep playoff run remain slim. Curry has been sidelined for two months due to a knee injury, but recently participated in a five-on-five scrimmage as part of his rehabilitation.

Curry's Return Timeline

Curry is targeting April 5th against the Houston Rockets for his return to the court. He expressed optimism about his progress, stating, “It felt great. I'm checking the boxes.” However, he also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of his knee injury, adding, “I don't know how the knee will respond because it hasn't responded well in the past.”

Impact on Team Morale

Coach Kerr noted that Curry’s presence at practice significantly boosted team spirits. As the franchise leader and one of the NBA’s most exciting players, his return is a welcome sight for the Warriors organization.

Underlying Team Struggles

Despite the potential boost from Curry, the Warriors’ overall performance has been underwhelming. The team has a 9-16 record in the 25 games Curry has missed. They currently rank 21st in the NBA in point differential since February 1st, with a -136 differential.

Statistical Concerns

Golden State’s offensive and defensive ratings both fall within the bottom 10 of the league during Curry’s absence. This indicates systemic issues beyond just Curry’s absence, highlighting the team’s struggles on both ends of the court.

Porzingis Pairing and Play-In Tournament Outlook

The acquisition of Kristaps Porziņģis offered a glimmer of hope, but the two haven’t played together due to Curry’s injury and Porzingis’ own availability issues. Even if Curry returns on April 5th, he will have only five games to build chemistry with Porziņģis before the playoffs.

Playoff Qualification Challenges

The Warriors currently trail the Trail Blazers by two games for the No. 9 seed, meaning they will likely need to win two play-in games to reach the postseason. A potential first-round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder awaits them if they qualify.

While Curry’s return is undoubtedly positive, analysts believe it won’t be enough to drastically change the Warriors’ fate. Every game with Curry will be valued by fans, but expecting a significant turnaround is unrealistic. The team faces significant hurdles and is unlikely to contend for a championship this season.

This article was written by Liam McKeone, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated.