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The Golden State Warriors need a win on Friday night against the Toronto Raptors if they want to avoid falling three games below .500 for the first time all year. But they’ll be without their MVP in that pursuit.
Speaking at his pregame media availability on Friday afternoon, coach Steve Kerr announced that Curry would not play against the Raptors, as he is dealing with discomfort in the inflamed tailbone that kept him sidelined for over a week. This was Curry’s first back-to-back since the injury, and he was open about perhaps being unable to play in both games.
The good news is that Kerr said the Warriors fully expect Curry to play on Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks. The Dubs don’t have another back-to-back until next Friday and Saturday, so hopefully Curry’s tailbone is a bit more healed by then.
Everyone will need to step up in Curry’s absence, as the Warriors are just 1-6 this year in games that Curry misses. However, it’s not entirely clear how many players the Warriors will have.
Kerr said that Jordan Poole and Draymond Green are both probable, but he won’t know their status for sure until talking with the trainers. Kevon Looney and Eric Paschall have both been cleared to play.
According to Kerr, Poole, if healthy, will start in Curry’s place, as has been the norm lately. If Poole is unable to play, then Nico Mannion will get the start.
If there’s any consolation for the Warriors, it’s that Toronto’s starting point guard, Kyle Lowry, is also out due to injury.