Steph Curry is on the brink of making his anticipated return.
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The Warriors superstar made it through Thursday's scrimmage without any setbacks and will be listed as probable for Saturday's Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Golden State coach Steve Kerr announced the news Friday afternoon.
"Everything's gone really smoothly so we expect him to play tomorrow," Kerr said.
Curry is expected to be on a minutes restriction Saturday, but Kerr didn't specify the point guard's anticipated workload.
"Coming off the injury, the only thing I'll say is he's not playing 38 minutes," Kerr said. "I'm not gonna give you a number, because there’s some variables involved. But we're planning on playing him if everything goes well and bring him along slowly from there."
Curry told reporters Thursday that he will probably be lobbying Kerr for more playing time.
"I'm not worried about it being a limiting factor in terms of how I’m gonna approach the game," Curry said. "Hopefully there's a little wiggle room with whatever that is to see how I feel out there."
With the return of Curry, the Warriors are the healthiest they've been all season.
Draymond Green and Klay Thompson have rounded into form from their respective injuries. Andre Iguodala and Otto Porter Jr. don't have to worry about playing back-to-backs any more in the playoffs. Aside from injured second-year center James Wiseman, every player is available for Kerr.
We only got a glimpse of Golden State's potential on March 14 against the Washington Wizards, which was the lone game all season when the trio of Steph, Draymond and Klay played together. Steph dropped 47 on his birthday as the Warriors rolled to a 126-112 victory. But Andrew Wiggins and Iguodala were out of action that game, and they’ll be two huge key players for the Warriors' playoff push.
Curry missed the final 12 games of the regular season after Marcus Smart rolled on his left foot the next game and sprained a ligament while diving for a loose ball. The Warriors mostly floundered in the first few games without him, but that also coincided with Draymond's reintegration and reconditioning. Now it’s all coming together for the Warriors.
The Nuggets have MVP favorite Nikola Jokic, who doesn't have much of a supporting cast as Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are sidelined.
To get through the West, the Warriors will also likely have to get through Memphis and/or Phoenix. Golden State used be a heavy favorite during the dynasty years. Despite the lowered outside expectations, Curry said the goal within the building is clear: A sixth trip to the Finals and a fourth championship.
"Nobody's picking us to come out the West – at least I don't think – except our families," Curry said. "It's a fun challenge."
