The Golden State Warriors are gearing up to face the Boston Celtics as they return from the NBA All-Star break on Thursday night. However, they'll be doing so without their star shooter, Stephen Curry, who was ruled out early.
Curry's absence stems from ongoing concerns about his right knee. Despite a second MRI revealing no structural damage, persistent swelling and pain are keeping him sidelined.
The Warriors are describing the issue as "runner’s knee," a condition that flares up after workouts, causing discomfort and swelling. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, as both Curry and the team are waiting for the symptoms to subside.
Throughout the season, Curry has been battling minor injuries, with the knee issue surfacing in late January. He missed a game against the Timberwolves but returned to face the Jazz and Pistons.
However, during the game against Detroit, Curry exited after 25 minutes, leading to questions about his availability before the All-Star break. He subsequently missed five games, including the All-Star matchup.
As the Warriors take on the Celtics and prepare for the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, Curry is expected to be absent from both contests. Despite these challenges, Curry, now 37, continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 27.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds.
The Warriors, currently holding the eighth seed in the Western Conference, aim to notch their 30th win on Thursday without Curry. It's a pivotal moment as they navigate the season's second half, hoping to maintain their playoff position amidst adversity.