Stephen Curry left Golden State's 115-108 loss in Houston after six minutes with right abdominal soreness, and the team is waiting on MRI results. With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody already out, Friday's NBA Cup game at San Antonio tests whether the Warriors can hold up without their leading scorer better than they did last season.

Stephen Curry’s night in Houston was brief. His lone field goal was a 3-pointer with roughly seven and a half minutes left in the first quarter. He grabbed his right side and winced as he backpedaled afterward. Golden State trailed 19-10 when he left the floor.

Curry stayed in the locker room for the rest of the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, he was ruled out. He finished with three points.

Steve Kerr said “concern is high” while the team waited for results. He added after the game that he had no idea of the extent of the injury. Curry told Kerr he had never had this injury before.

Before leaving for the MRI, Curry spoke to his teammates at halftime. He told them to stay focused on the game and said he would get through the injury.

Warriors lose their scoring engine and their streak

The Warriors tied the game later but lost by seven. Their 108 points fell well below a season average of 120.4. Kevin Durant led Houston with 20 points. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson scored 19 apiece. The Rockets improved to 9-3.

The stakes go beyond one result. Coming into the game, Curry was playing 28.6 minutes per night. His play is a big reason the Warriors became the first team in NBA history to win eight straight after an 0-3 start.

Golden State’s depth is already thin. Jimmy Butler is still rehabbing from the torn ACL he suffered in January 2026 and has missed the start of this season.

Melton steps in as Golden State tests last season’s pattern

De’Anthony Melton replaced Curry in the starting lineup to open the second half. He is expected to start Friday if Curry can’t play, CBS Sports reported.

Last season’s losing record in Curry’s absences shows the risk. This season they are 1-1 without him.

Draymond Green said the team’s “spirit” is better than last year’s. A stretch without Curry would put that claim to a direct test.

The MRI results could reshape the Western Conference race.

The next game carries NBA Cup weight. Golden State opened its group play by beating the Lakers 112-95. The Warriors visit San Antonio on Friday in a West Group C game, with tipoff at 9:30 p.m. ET on Prime.