As the Golden State Warriors are looking to sweep the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2018 NBA playoffs, Stephen Curry participated in non-contact drills during the team's recent practice. While there were expectations Curry could return in time for the second round, there is now a level of uncertainty.
According to Mark Medina of The Mercury News, head coach Steve Kerr says Curry is ‘not going to play anytime soon' and ‘still has a few limitations' following his modified practice:
Steve Kerr on Stephen Curry: "Not going to play anytime soon." Kerr said he is on track, but doesn't have a timetable on his return
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 22, 2018
Steve Kerr said Stephen Curry "still has a few limitations." But Kerr stressed that Curry doesn't feel any pain
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 22, 2018
In his return game from an ankle injury, the 30-year-old suffered a knee injury against the Atlanta Hawks on Mar. 23 after JaVale McGee accidentally fell on it. As a result, he has missed the team's last 13 games and there are conflicting reports about a potential return timetable.
Should the Warriors ultimately move on to the second round, they will face the New Orleans Pelicans, who swept the Portland Trail Blazers. While Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, and Rajon Rondo are playing at an extremely high level, the Warriors are still expected to be favored without Curry.
With three All-Star players still around, players like Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, and McGee have all stepped up to begin the playoffs for Kerr and company. As the Warriors are finding their rhythm again, the defending champions are buying time for Curry and hope he can return in the near future. After two championships in three consecutive NBA Finals appearances, the thought process is Golden State only needs Curry in a potential Western Conference Finals matchup against the Houston Rockets.
Curry averaged 26.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 51 appearances.
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