As the NBA regular season races toward its dramatic finale, all eyes are on the Golden State Warriors. One win could mean a clean ticket to the playoffs, while a loss might drag them into the chaos of the play-in tournament. The stakes couldn’t be higher—and the buzz around Stephen Curry’s status is only adding to the suspense.

The Warriors are set to host the Los Angeles Clippers this Sunday in what could be a season-defining matchup. With tip-off approaching, fans, analysts, and even rival teams are refreshing their feeds in hopes of one crucial update: Will Stephen Curry play?

Warriors Injury Report: Stephen Curry’s status in spotlight

Stephen Curry, initially listed as questionable for Sunday’s clash due to a lingering right thumb issue, sent chills to the Dub Nation. The Warriors’ superstar has already missed some action recently, and his availability could swing the entire game’s outcome. Given what’s at stake, the team is expected to make a game-time decision, keeping fans on edge until the very last minute. And guess what? The decision is made if reports are to be believed! But hold on.

The Warriors desperately need Curry’s shooting, playmaking, and leadership. He’s been averaging 27 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.7 made threes over his last 20 games, and even though those numbers are slightly below his usual standards, they’re still crucial for a team trying to avoid the play-in. But as reports come in, Warriors beat Anthony Slater hints Curry will play the wrapping game of the season and is already making the moves. “Steph Curry will warm up with the intention to play vs Clippers. He has his sprained right thumb taped up, per Steve Kerr: “Steph’s been dealing with this all season. He’s doing OK. I think he will be fine,” he added. Kerr will have a ray of hope as they take on the in-form Clippers, and the baby-faced assassin’s presence might completely change how the Clippers have to defend.

Golden State will also be keeping a close eye on Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski. While both are expected to play, their recent workload has been heavy, and this will be a high-pressure game. Draymond’s defensive IQ and passing, plus Podziemski’s ability to space the floor, have been key to the Warriors outscoring their opponents by 3.4 points per game.

Meanwhile, the Clippers’ injury report is also light. Patty Mills (illness), Nicolas Batum (ankle), and Amir Coffey (knee) are all listed as day-to-day. While these absences aren’t as headline-worthy as Curry’s, they could affect the Clippers’ second unit if they end up missing time.

 Playoff picture: All or nothing on Sunday

This isn’t just another game—this is a potential playoff ticket or a one-way trip to the play-in tournament. The Warriors, currently 48–33, are tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for sixth in the Western Conference. But here’s the kicker: Golden State owns the tiebreaker. If they beat the Clippers, they clinch the 6th seed. No questions asked. No play-in stress.

But if the Warriors lose and the Timberwolves win? It’s straight to the play-in.

The Clippers aren’t exactly stress-free, either. They’re 49–32 and tied with the Nuggets for the fourth seed, but Denver holds the tiebreaker. A Clippers win secures at least the 5th seed, but a loss—combined with Nuggets and Timberwolves victories—could bump them all the way down to seventh. So yes, both teams are all in for this one.

To make it even juicier, if the Warriors grab that sixth spot, they’ll get a spicy first-round showdown with the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. Steph vs. LeBron in round one? Yes, please. Meanwhile, the Clippers are staring down a potential series against the Nuggets—a much tougher path on paper.

Stephen Curry’s play might boost the Warriors’ morale. His status is the single biggest X-factor heading into Sunday’s showdown. Will he would suit up and lead the Warriors to a playoff-clinching win was a question until now, but not anymore if everything goes well. But the Clippers aren’t here to give a walkover either; they would play their heart out to extend their dominance over Golden State this season and send the Warriors into play-in purgatory.

One thing’s for sure—every dribble, every shot, and every update will matter. Playoff basketball has arrived early, and it all starts with Stephen Curry’s thumb.