Warriors’ Curry Set to Return for Play-In Tournament if Knee Heals

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr says Stephen Curry will participate in the play-in tournament if his injured right knee permits. Curry has been sidelined since January 30th with knee issues, and the Warriors have struggled significantly without their star player.

DALLAS (AP) — Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Stephen Curry will take part in the upcoming play-in tournament, provided his troubled right knee is healthy enough to compete. Kerr rejected any suggestion that the team would bench their franchise player given the Warriors’ uncertain playoff position.

Speaking before Golden State’s matchup in Dallas on Monday evening, Kerr revealed that medical personnel postponed Curry’s anticipated return to practice by at least a day. The Warriors will wrap up their six-game road swing against the Mavericks before determining Curry’s next steps once they return home.

“It’s all just part of the rehab and all the different testing he does,” Kerr said. “Just pushed back a day or two.”

Currently sitting in 10th position in the Western Conference standings, the Warriors face an uphill battle if they maintain that final play-in spot, requiring victories in two away games to secure a playoff berth.

The superstar guard has been absent from action since January 30th while battling patella-femoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his knee. Golden State posted a 23-17 record with Curry in the lineup but has gone just 10-22 without him, including a devastating 1-8 slide that contributed to their 6-15 mark since his most recent injury.

“We’re not chasing a play-in berth. We are squarely in the play-in no matter what we do,” Kerr said. “Bottom line, if Steph is healthy, he’s going to play because that’s what we’re here for. The chance to get into the playoffs is a big deal for us, big deal for Steph.”

However, Kerr emphasized that if there’s any possibility of causing additional long-term harm to the knee, Curry will remain on the sidelines. The 38-year-old veteran paces the Warriors in scoring with 27.2 points per contest.

When asked about Curry’s reaction to the delayed practice return, Kerr avoided giving specifics.

The organization had originally targeted a comeback immediately following the All-Star break, though Curry chose to skip this year’s All-Star Game due to his injury.

“It’s been a long haul,” the coach said. “He’s dying to get out there for sure.”