Report: Stephen Curry could return vs. the Hawks on Friday

What's the story?

2-time MVP and 2-time NBA Champion Stephen Curry could return to action at the end of this week for a Friday home game against the Atlanta Hawks.

In case you didn't know

Curry is currently rehabbing from a tweaked right ankle, his fourth right ankle injury just this season.

Heart of the matter

On March 8th, in a home win against the San Antonio Spurs, Curry tweaked his right ankle. The diagnosis then was that he was to be re-evaluated after a week. After the team's fourth loss in the last six games, there was finally some good news.

ESPN's Chris Haynes and Ramona Shelburne reported that the Golden State Warriors are aiming at a Friday return for Curry. In the meantime, he would get two full days of practice and a shootaround session on Friday before the game. The report further states that the return timetable for Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson appear to be further out.

The six games in his absence, the Warriors have gone 2-4 with losses coming at San Antonio, at Portland, at Minnesota and against the Sacramento Kings at home.

The Warriors went unbeaten the first seven games after the All-Star break, since then injuries to multiple key players have hurt their quest for the first seed in the Western Conference. After going 7-0, they've slipped up and lost four of their last six.

What's next?

The Warriors have 11 games remaining, starting this Friday. Six of those eleven games are at home, starting with the contest against the Hawks.

Author's Take

Yes, the Warriors have multiple players on the injury list but there should be absolutely no hurry in getting any of their players back. If completely healthy, the defending champions are unbeatable. Therefore, health should be the top priority.

While news of Curry's possible return is great news, no hasty decisions should be made. Fortunately, the Warriors franchise is one that can be trusted on, to not make any hasty calls.

Published 20 Mar 2018, 15:53 IST