Stephen Curry out but Kristaps Porzingis set for Warriors debut vs Celtics
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will miss Thursday’s game against the Boston Celtics due to a knee injury, though trade deadline signing Kristaps Porzingis is expected to make his debut.
Curry, 35, has been sidelined for the past five games and the exact timeline for his return remains unclear following the All-Star break.
While head coach Steve Kerr had initially expressed optimism that the swelling in Curry’s right knee would subside, the point guard reported he was not ready to participate in live scrimmages on Wednesday.
“Just wasn’t where he needed to be,” Kerr said regarding the four-time NBA champion. “It’s unfortunate.”
“We’ll have an update tomorrow after he goes through his time with the training staff.”
Medical concerns persist
The Warriors are taking a cautious approach with their franchise player, citing the “nebulous” nature of the injury described as “runner’s knee”.
Kerr confirmed it is possible Curry will undergo another MRI after consulting with Rick Celebrini, the team’s director of sports medicine.
However, Celebrini is currently in Milan watching his son compete for Team Canada in Olympic hockey, adding a layer of logistical complexity to the medical decision-making process.
Curry previously told reporters that while the knee was trending in the right direction, managing inflammation was critical to avoiding a setback.
“It’s something we still have to monitor and injury-manage, but it’s something where, if I come back too early, it could flare up,” Curry said.
Porzingis ready for ‘weird’ reunion
In a significant boost for Golden State, Porzingis is set to feature for the first time since his arrival from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline.
The deal, which sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta, brought the Latvian centre to the Bay Area to bolster the Warriors’ frontcourt.
Although officially listed as questionable, the former New York Knick told reporters he was “ready to go” after scrimmaging on Wednesday.
Kerr plans to utilise the 7ft 2in forward in short bursts off the bench, potentially matching him up against Al Horford and his former Celtics teammates.
“Weird. Who would believe this?” said Porzingis on facing Boston immediately.
“Obviously we expected Boston to have some changes with the money stuff, but it’s going to be weird.”
Play-off push intensifies
The Warriors have spent recent practice sessions adjusting their offence to accommodate Porzingis’ post-up ability.
The 28-year-old, who has been limited to just 17 games this season due to illness and Achilles tendinitis, expressed excitement about playing alongside Draymond Green.
“I love Draymond, man,” Porzingis added. “I can see how important he is to this group.”
Golden State currently sit eighth in the Western Conference standings with a record of 29-26 as they look to secure a post-season berth.