The Warriors could be without a lot of pieces on Friday night against the Grizzlies.
Already hampered by the absence of center James Wiseman and forward Eric Paschall due to virus tracing, Golden State’s starting backcourt is doubtful to play Friday night in Memphis.
That of course includes the great Steph Curry, who bruised his tailbone in a nasty fall on Wednesday against the Rockets. Coach Steve Kerr revealed Curry’s injury designation and also dropped the news about Oubre. He got kicked in the ankle in Houston as he went for an offensive rebound, per Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle. Oubre’s official injury is an ankle sprain.
If neither guard suited up, Kerr has his hands full. Or would they be empty? Close, but not quite. He’s already grooming young guards Nico Mannion and Jordan Poole for reserve roles, and they could potentially fill in adequately. Especially Poole, who has been on fire lately, including against the Rockets when he hit a career-high six three pointers.
Injuries and absences are starting to mount for the Warriors. Wiseman and Paschall will be out for three games: the back-to-back with Memphis and against the 76ers on Tuesday at Chase Center. How long will Curry and Oubre be out?
With Oubre, probably not long. Kerr said it’s not serious and that Oubre woke up sore and that’s why he didn’t practice. He may improve to probable on Friday (pure speculation).
As for Curry. It’s fantastic news that he’s doubtful, actually. He could be just plain ‘out.’ His fall was nasty, and looked very painful. Based solely on how gingerly he walked off the court on Wednesday, I’d be surprised if he played either game in Memphis. But hey, you never know. Either way, the Warriors (21-20) need a win against their Western Conference foe, preferably two on the back-to-back.
(Photo credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports)
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