If you had this game circled on your calendar, you might want to grab an eraser. The marquee East-West showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers on December 4, 2025, has taken a major turn. We should also mention The biggest latest, and a tough pill to swallow for Warriors fans, is that franchise cornerstone Stephen Curry is officially out, extending a frustrating absence that's starting to feel a lot longer than initially expected. This isn't just about one player; it’s a story of two talented but battered teams trying to find their footing.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Stephen Curry has been ruled out for the December 4, 2025 game against the 76ers.
- ✓ The injury is a lingering left quad contusion, and his absence has now stretched beyond two weeks.
- ✓ Both the Golden State Warriors (11-11) and the Philadelphia 76ers (11-9) are navigating extensive injury lists.
- ✓ Key players like Joel Embiid (questionable) and Paul George (out) are also impacting the 76ers' lineup.
- ✓ With stars sidelined, the game becomes a crucial test of depth for both franchises.
The Lingering Shadow of Curry's Injury
Let's achieve right to it. The heart and soul of the Warriors, Stephen Curry, will not be on the court tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. He's back in the Bay Area, still rehabbing a nagging left quadriceps contusion he suffered way back on November 26 against the Houston Rockets. What's concerning is that he actually finished that game, but he hasn't seen a minute of action since. The initial timeline was about a week, but we're now sailing past the two-week mark with no concrete return date set in stone.
Coach Steve Kerr is trying to stay optimistic, pointing towards a potential comeback on December 12 against the Timberwolves, but for now, it's just a target. This latest stint on the sidelines will bring Curry’s total missed games this season to at least nine. For a team that's been wildly inconsistent, especially on the road with a tough 4-8 record, losing your leader and primary scorer is a massive blow. The Warriors are treading water with an 11-11 record, and his absence is felt on every single possession.
You see, it's not just about the leadership; it's about the sheer production they're missing. Industry experts suggest that Curry has been on fire this season, pouring in 27. 9 points per game on ridiculously efficient shooting splits: 47. 1% from the field and a near-perfect 91. 9% from the free-throw line. Without that offensive firepower, the pressure now falls squarely on the shoulders of younger guards like Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody to somehow fill that massive void. That's a tall order for anyone, let alone for players still carving out their roles in the league.
Golden State's Extensive Injury Report
As if losing Curry wasn't enough, the Warriors' availability report for tonight is, frankly, a mess. The frontcourt, in particular, is riddled with uncertainty, which just compounds the problems they face without their star point guard. It’s a long list that really highlights the physical toll the early season has taken on this veteran-laden squad. They are stretched incredibly thin right now.
Alongside Curry, rookie Alex Toohey is also definitively out due to left knee management. But the real issue is the long list of "questionable" players, which could swing the game either way. This group includes key contributors like Jimmy Butler III (left knee soreness), Jonathan Kuminga (right ankle sprain), and Trayce Jackson-Davis (right knee). To make matters worse, Quinten Post (left ankle) and veteran Al Horford (right sciatic irritation) are also uncertain to play. It’s a genuine day-to-day situation that leaves Steve Kerr with a massive puzzle to solve just hours before tip-off.
There is one tiny glimmer of positive latest in the distance for Golden State. Guard De’Anthony Melton is reportedly nearing his season debut after a long ACL rehabilitation process. Another important factor is While he won't solve their immediate problems tonight, his eventual return will provide a much-needed boost to their backcourt depth. For now, though, the Warriors have to weather this storm with the players they have available, which isn't an enviable position to be in against a talented Sixers team, even one that's also hurting.
The Sixers Are Far From Full Strength
Don't think for a second that Philadelphia is coming into this matchup feeling sorry for the Warriors. The 76ers are dealing with their own significant health concerns and are just as desperate for a win to steady their 11-9 record. Their injury report is also shaping this contest into a battle of attrition rather than a clash of titans. The biggest name on their list is superstar center Joel Embiid, who is listed as questionable as he continues to manage his own knee recovery.
Beyond Embiid's uncertain status, the Sixers are confirmed to be without several key players. Paul George remains out with knee and back issues, a major blow to their wing scoring and defense. They'll also be missing the services of Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford. Adding to their worries, Quentin Grimes is questionable with a calf concern. It's clear that both benches will be tested tonight, and the game may come down to which team's role players can step up and execute more effectively.
A Different Kind of Showdown Emerges
With all the star power potentially sitting on the sidelines, the entire dynamic of this game changes. Oddsmakers still have the 76ers as the favorites at home, opening with a -148 moneyline, which feels reasonable given the Warriors' road woes and Curry's absence. The game total is set at 223. 5, but with so many offensive threats out, this could easily turn into a defensive grind.
In the absence of others, one player has been a shining star for Philadelphia: Tyrese Maxey. He has been carrying a massive offensive load and is flourishing, averaging a career-best 32. 5 points per game. He will undoubtedly be the focal point of the Sixers' attack and the primary concern for the Warriors' top-10 ranked defense. The matchup will likely hinge on whether Golden State can find a way to slow him down without their best players available.
The Sixers are well aware of the challenge the Warriors present, even in their depleted state. Speaking at the shootaround, Sixers big man Adem Bona laid out the game plan. "They play pretty fast," he noted. "They achieve the ball out of the rim and play down pretty fast. They shoot a lot of 3s and they have a lot of movement to their offense. I think the best thing for us is to just limit their movement. Try to put bodies on them and let them play half-court offense and limit their 3s. " It’s a sound strategy against a team that, even without Curry, still leads the league in made threes. It's a testament to the Warriors' system that they remain dangerous from deep, with players like Jimmy Butler III and Brandin Podziemski ready to step in. Current trends reveal that
Conclusion
So, as the 7 p. m. EST tip-off approaches, what was once a must-see TV event has transformed into something else entirely. It’s a gritty, unpredictable matchup that will be won in the margins. The absence of Stephen Curry is the headline, but the story runs much deeper, touching on the resilience and depth of two proud franchises battling inconsistency and injury. Market evidence demonstrates that Tonight's game won't be about highlight-reel daggers from downtown; it will be about defensive toughness, execution, and which team’s supporting cast is more prepared to seize the moment.
