Steve Kerr On Whether Stephen Curry Plays In Game 3: ‘Probably Not’

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

During the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors were thought to have suffered a devastating blow with reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry going down with a knee injury. Curry had already been dealing with an ankle sprain and then hurt his knee resulting in the veteran guard having to miss the rest of the series against Houston.

Heading into Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Warriors will likely be without Curry once again with head coach Steve Kerr not counting on his superstar to be back in the lineup against Portland on Saturday, via Monte Poole of CSNBayArea.com:

Though Curry’s status has been upgraded from definitely “out” to “doubtful” for Game 3 against the Trail Blazers on Saturday at Moda Center in Portland, it’s more realistic that he’ll return for Game 4 on Monday.

Asked if Curry could be cleared for Game 3, coach Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, “Probably not.”

Fortunately for the Warriors, the defending champions have been able to hold their own without their best player. Golden State may have lost one game to the Rockets, but have yet to lose since with the team sporting a 2-0 series lead against the Blazers.

The real concern for the Warriors will be in the next round with the defending champions likely facing the San Antonio Spurs. Many believe Gregg Popovich’s squad is the only real threat to the Warriors’ title defense and a healthy Curry may be needed in order for Kerr to lead his team back into the NBA Finals for a second straight year.