Stephen Curry has 'very positive' practice, questionable for Game 1

ByChris Haynes ESPN logo
Thursday, April 26, 2018

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Stephen Curry is almost back.

Golden State Warriorscoach Steve Kerr said Curry is listed as questionable for Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicansin Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.

Curry on Thursday participated in his first full practice since suffering a Grade 2 left MCL sprain in his left knee on March 23. The injury caused him to miss the team's past 14 games.

Kerr said the practice session was important for Curry in his rehabilitation process, and he acknowledged Curry "looked good."

"I think what we have to do is see how his body responds the rest of the day," Kerr said. "[We'll] put him through another practice tomorrow. I think he needs to string together a few good days. But, yeah, it was very positive."

Curry, a two-time MVP and five-time All-Star, will be re-evaluated Friday. It will be his third and final test before the Warriors determine whether to give him the green light to take the court Saturday. He would start right away if cleared.

Before Curry's status was upgraded, ESPN's Basketball Power Index gave the Warriors an 87 percent chance to win their series with the Pelicans.

With Curry in the lineup this past season, the Warriors went 41-10 while averaging 120.4 points per 100 possessions, which would be the best offensive rating over the past 20 seasons. With him off the floor, however, the Warriors were only 17-14 in the regular season and had an offensive efficiency that was right around the league average.

Golden State went 3-1 against New Orleans in the regular season. In games Curry has played against the Pelicans, the Warriors are 25-5.

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