‘The Chef’ is out of the kitchen and on the bench.
The Warriors took Game 1 on the road, but they have lost their heart and soul Stephen Curry for at least Game 2 on Thursday night, perhaps more.
Less than 24 hours after Curry exited Golden State’s 99-88 Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves with an injury, an MRI Wednesday revealed a grade one left hamstring strain. Curry will not play in Game 2, according to a person with knowledge who spoke on the condition of anonymity because Curry’s status had not yet been announced by the team.
Embed from Getty ImagesCurry, who turned 37 in March, is an 11-time All-Star and a two-time MVP, is the most feared offensive threat for the Warriors, especially from 3-point range, and his availability or lack thereof, could be the deciding factor on who wins the series and carries massive implications for the Warriors championship hopes against Minnesota and beyond.
The Warriors later announced the injury and said he will be re-evaluated in one week, sidelining him for at least the next two games.
The average time missed for NBA players with a grade 1 hamstring strain is approximately a week and a half, according to certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts who maintains a comprehensive database of NBA injuries. Here is a breakdown of the series schedule; Game 3 is Saturday, May 10; Game 4 is Monday, May 12, Game 5, if necessary, is Wednesday, May 14; and Game 6, if necessary, is Sunday, May 18. Though the Warriors do not have a concrete timeline for his anticipated comeback, it is possible Curry could return in a potential Game 5, Game 6 or Game 7.
“I think we all want (No. 30) back,” Warriors star Jimmy Butler said following Golden State’s Game 1 victory Tuesday. “But we want him to do his best for himself, best for our group. Until then, we can hold down the fort. I know we can.”
Curry departed Tuesday night’s game in Minneapolis with 8:19 remaining in the second quarter. He had been grabbing at his left hamstring area several times in the period, and after Warriors forward Draymond Green knocked down a 3-pointer and the Timberwolves called timeout, Curry left the game with the Warriors leading by 10, 30-20.
Prior to leaving the game, Curry was feeling it, scoring 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting, including 3-for-6 from downtown. After his last made shot, he motioned for Warriors coach Steve Kerr to sub him out, and Brandin Podziemski checked in as Curry headed to the locker room.
Curry had another outstanding season (24.5 points, 6.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds per game and 39.7% 3-point shooting) and his ability to perform like that at his advanced age is a major reason why the Warriors acquired Butler from Miami in a trade deadline deal in February. Since acquiring Butler, the Warriors have been one of the best teams in the NBA.
After Game 1 in his postgame press conference, Kerr had said Curry was day-to-day, but did not offer any additional details aside from the scheduled MRI.
“I talked to him at halftime,” Kerr said. “He’s obviously crushed, but the guys picked him up and played a great game. Obviously, we’re all concerned about Steph, but it’s part of the game. Guys get hurt, you move on.
“Our guys did a great job of moving on and getting a great win 48 hours after a Game 7 road win. It’s an amazing group of guys. These guys, they compete, they’re together. We’ve been the best defense in the league since the Jimmy trade, and that’s what’s keeping us afloat right now.”
Following the news of Curry’s injury timeline, the Timberwolves odds to win the series shot up significantly from -165 to -200 at ESPN BET. The Warriors are now a +170 underdog.
Minnesota is now a 10.5-point favorite for Game 2, five points more than they were favored for Game 1.
