Stephen Curry is currently healthy and preparing for the upcoming season, but he will not play against the New Orleans Pelicans immediately as the NBA is in its offseason.
While the Golden State Warriors have released an early 2026-27 preseason schedule, it does not currently feature a matchup with New Orleans. Fans must wait for the official regular-season schedule release to identify the next head-to-head date.
Despite missing the final meeting of the 2025-26 season due to right knee pain (patellofemoral syndrome), Curry remains fully cleared for basketball activities as of July 2026.
Steph Curry’s Current Availability and Injury Update
The question of whether the greatest shooter in history will take the floor depends heavily on the timing of the league calendar and his recent medical history. Understanding his current physical state is essential for fans and analysts tracking his availability.
The Impact of Patellofemoral Syndrome
During the latter stages of the 2025–26 campaign, Curry encountered a significant hurdle when he was ruled out of a February 24, 2024, matchup against New Orleans.
The medical diagnosis was right knee pain specifically linked to patellofemoral syndrome, a condition often characterized by pain at the front of the knee and around the kneecap.
This injury led to a narrow 113-109 victory for the Pelicans as the Warriors missed their leading scorer’s gravity on the court.
Current Offseason Status and Recovery
As of July 2026, the documentation indicates that Stephen Curry is currently healthy. The offseason provides a critical window for veteran players to manage chronic conditions like patellofemoral syndrome through targeted strength and conditioning.
While he is not currently listed on any injury reports, the lack of scheduled games against New Orleans in the early preseason means his next appearance against them will likely be in the 2026-27 regular season.
Historical Dominance: The Numbers Behind the Matchup
The historical data regarding this specific matchup reveals a level of dominance that few players achieve against a single franchise. Curry’s career trajectory against New Orleans has been defined by high-efficiency scoring and a staggering win-loss ratio.
| Statistical Category | Regular Season | Postseason | Combined Career Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 40 | 8 | 48 |
| Record (W-L) | 32–8 | 7–1 | 39–9 |
| Points Per Game | 26.0 | 29.1 | 26.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 6.9 | 5.4 | 6.6 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 4.4 | 5.3 | 4.6 |
| Total Points Scored | 1,039 | 233 | 1,272 |
This table illustrates that Curry’s performance actually improves during high-stakes playoff basketball, where his scoring average jumps to 29.1 PPG.
Throughout his career, he has amassed a combined total of 1,272 points against the Pelicans, maintaining an 81% winning percentage across nearly five dozen games.
Legendary Performances Against the Pelicans
Over the last decade, Stephen Curry has used his matchups with New Orleans to rewrite the NBA record books. These specific games have become benchmarks for elite guard play and perimeter shooting efficiency in the modern era.
The Historic 13 Three-Pointer Night
On November 7, 2016, Curry delivered one of the most iconic performances in basketball history.
Just one game after ending a 157-game streak of making at least one three-pointer, he responded by setting a then-NBA single-game record with 13 shots made from beyond the arc.
He finished the night with 46 points, needing only 17 attempts from deep to secure his place in the history books during a 116-106 victory.
The 53-Point Masterpiece of 2015
Curry’s highest scoring output against this franchise occurred on October 31, 2015, when he exploded for 53 total points.
This game is most remembered for a blistering 28-point third quarter, where he essentially dismantled the Pelicans’ defensive scheme single-handedly. This performance solidified his reputation as a “Pelican Slayer” early in his championship-winning years.
The 2023 Efficiency Clinic
Demonstrating that his dominance has not waned with age, Curry put on a showcase on October 30, 2023. In a 130-102 blowout, he scored 42 points in just three quarters of action.
He set the tone immediately by scoring 16 points in the first quarter, handing New Orleans their first loss of that particular season and proving he remains a matchup nightmare.
Why the Pelicans Struggle to Contain Curry
Analyzing the tactical side of this rivalry requires looking at how Curry’s unique skill set exploits the defensive rotations typically employed by New Orleans. The data suggests that his presence creates a “gravity” that the Pelicans have historically failed to neutralize.
- Postseason Pressure: Curry has faced the Pelicans in two separate Western Conference postseason series (2015 and 2018), winning 7 out of 8 total playoff games.
- Volumetric Scoring: His ability to score in bunches—such as the 28-point quarter in 2015—prevents the Pelicans from maintaining defensive consistency.
- Perimeter Threat: The 2016 record-breaking game showed that no amount of perimeter pressure could stop his rhythm once he found his range.
- Playmaking Versatility: Averaging 6.9 assists in the regular season against them, he punishes double-teams by finding open teammates, leading to a 32-8 regular-season record.
- First-Quarter Aggression: As seen in his 2023 performance, Curry often starts games with high intensity to force the Pelicans out of their preferred offensive rhythm early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curry vs. Pelicans
How many points did Steph Curry score against the Pelicans?
Stephen Curry has scored a total of 1,272 points against the New Orleans Pelicans throughout his career. This is divided into 1,039 points across 40 regular-season games and 233 points in 8 playoff matchups.
His career average against the franchise stands at 26.5 points per game, though he is even more lethal in the playoffs where he averages 29.1 PPG.
Why did Steph Curry miss the last game against New Orleans?
Curry was sidelined for the final meeting of the 2025-26 season on February 24, 2026, due to right knee pain.
The specific clinical reason was patellofemoral syndrome, which the Warriors’ medical staff managed conservatively to prevent long-term issues. Without his presence on the floor, the Warriors suffered a 113-109 defeat.
What is Steph Curry’s win-loss record against the Pelicans?
He holds an incredibly dominant 39–9 all-time record against the Pelicans. This includes a 32–8 record in regular-season play and a nearly perfect 7–1 record in the playoffs.
This sustained success covers over a decade of matchups, illustrating his role as a consistent hurdle for the New Orleans franchise.
The Future: When Will Curry Face the Pelicans Next?
As the 2026-27 season approaches, the focus shifts to the upcoming schedule and the potential for new milestones in this one-sided rivalry. The current lack of a regular-season schedule leaves a temporary void in the planning for fans.
The Golden State Warriors’ organization has only released the early preseason schedule, which notably excludes any contests against the Pelicans.
This means that the next time Curry steps onto the court to face New Orleans will likely be during the regular season, the dates for which have not yet been made public by the league. Given his current healthy status, he is expected to be a full participant in those future games.
The narrative of “Steph Curry vs. The Pelicans” remains one of the most statistically significant matchups in the NBA. Whether it is through historic three-point barrages or efficient playoff execution, Curry has defined the competitive landscape for New Orleans.
Fans looking to witness the next chapter of this dominance should monitor the official NBA schedule release later this summer to secure their opportunity to see the “Pelican Slayer” in action once again.
