NEW YORK - Golden State Warriors veterans Al Horford and Seth Curry underwent MRIs after exiting the Dubs' 127-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at halftime. Testing revealed a left mild shin strain for Horford and a left abductor strain for Curry. Both players will be reevaluated in a week, ruling them out of at least the Warriors' next five games.
It has been a tough season for both veterans in terms of availability.
Horford missed seven consecutive games earlier this season due to a sciatic nerve problem. And due to his load management policy of not playing both ends of back-to-backs, he has missed 23 games so far, a number that is set to increase as he deals with this calf strain. Kerr said that because it is a calf injury, they will be cautious about his recovery, indicating a longer recovery period than a one-week re-evaluation.
As for Curry, he has barely been able to get going this season, as he has missed 40 consecutive games due to his sciatic nerve problem. He had just returned from an extended recovery procedure when he strained his abductor, a bad stroke of luck for a player who has only played four games this season.
Encourage injury updates
But the Warriors received some encouraging health updates as they prepare to face the New York Knicks without eight of their players.
Draymond Green is expected to play against the Washington Wizards after missing two games due to lower back pain. Along with Green, Kristaps Porzingis and D'Anthony are also set to play in DC as the Warriors sideline them to manage their respective health issues.
Meanwhile, Kerr said he is hopeful that Moses Moody will return after recovering from the sprain he suffered in his right wrist during this road trip. And in some positive news, Stephen Curry traveled with the Warriors on this six-game road trip, joining the team on the road for the first time since being sidelined due to a knee issue with their runner.
Otherwise, the Warriors will have to weather this latest injury storm as teams pass them by for play-in tournament positioning. At 32–34, they have lost to the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth seed and are in danger of being passed by the Portland Trail Blazers for the ninth seed.
This latest six-game road trip will determine their chances of securing a playoff spot.
