The Golden State Warriors are set to host the Philadelphia 76ers at Chase Center in their next game on January 2. However, Steve Kerr’s side might enter the matchup short-staffed as Stephen Curry is listed as questionable on their latest injury report.
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A right thumb sprain could keep the Chef out of tonight’s lineup, forcing him to miss his seventh game of the season.
The Sixers turn around quickly for a matchup against the Warriors tomorrow. Philly hasn’t submitted their injury report as of yet, but Golden State has some big names showing up.
Steph Curry and Kyle Anderson are QUESTIONABLE, while Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II are OUT. pic.twitter.com/eZ4e0sIuzd
— Zach Ciavolella (Cha-vo-lel-la) (@CiavoNBA) January 2, 2025
There is no clarity yet as to when and how Curry picked up the injury to his thumb. He had suffered from knee tendinitis over the past few months, affecting his availability and ability to dominate in-game.
Curry played in Golden State’s previous game on New Year’s Eve. But it ended up being an off night for the two-time MVP, who nabbed just 11 points in 29 minutes of action, shooting 4 of 14 from the field.
An extended thumb injury would just make it harder for Curry to regain his efficiency.
Though he is listed as day-to-day, coach Kerr could take the decision of resting his franchise superstar, especially considering the upcoming schedule. The Warriors play five games in seven days, though most of their matchups next week will be against teams below .500.
However, this probably isn’t the best time to bench the 36-year-old. The Dubs are 3-7 over their last 10 games and under threat of falling below .500 themselves.
Also, the Warriors might be too shorthanded to bench the Chef tonight. Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski are both out of the lineup against Philadelphia, leaving Dennis Schroder as the only backup point guard on the team.
While his questionable status leaves open the possibility of him playing, the recent change in his injury designation makes it harder to gauge the severity of the injury. Coach Kerr will likely provide further updates after the game, especially if Curry is unable to suit up.
Sprained thumbs typically require a minimum of two weeks to recover. It’s common to see NBA players sidelined due to it. Just that it is a particularly concerning prospect at this time for the Dubs because they lack any offensive identity in the absence of their star point guard.
If Steph doesn’t suit up, Jonathan Kuminga will likely be asked to step into the starting lineup and carry a greater load on the offensive end.
The 76ers are yet to release their injury report, though. And Kerr might wait to see his opponents’ starting five before taking a call on Curry’s involvement.
