Golden State Warriors News: Stephen Curry Has Target Return Date From Injury, But Wants Back Sooner

The Golden State Warriors were able to take out the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs, but now they have to face a dangerous Portland Tail Blazers squad. That series begins on Sunday, and it will start without Stephen Curry on the floor as he deals with a sprained MCL. He has a target return date of May 9, but he’s really hoping to get back before then.

If Curry doesn’t return until May 9, he will have missed the first three games of the series and will start in Game 4 in Portland. An MRI revealed a Grade 1 sprain and he was given a two-week time frame to return, but he wants back in sooner, according to ESPN.

“Feeling better but just got a ways to go. I always have an optimistic view, no matter what it is. I hope to get back sooner. I haven’t talked to the doctors, athletic training staff, all the experts. That two-week timeline was, as Bob (Myers, GM) says, an educated guess.”

The Warriors are certainly not going to let him return until he is fully ready to get back on the court and play again. Risking further injury to Curry is not something they’re willing to do, and that includes for the rest of the playoffs and into the future.

Stephen Curry did say it was “nice to have a break” and that he knows the team is doing well without him out there. The injury took place in Game 4 against the Rockets when he slipped on a wet spot on the floor just before halftime.

He called it an “unlucky break,” but he’s actually quite lucky in the way it ended up working out, according to SF Gate.

“I’ve watched it, and I just feel really blessed to have gotten out of that situation with only an MCL sprain. That could have been 10 times worse.

“I had some angels protecting me and keeping me light on my feet…. That’s why I’ve been really optimistic and kind of joyful about the situation, knowing I’ll be back on the floor with my teammates soon.”

It looked a lot worse than it ended up being, and that is the lucky thing for Curry and the Warriors. He doesn’t blame anyone for it and knows that sometimes those things just happen.

Stephen Curry has already started some rehab to get back in shape and stay loose. This past Thursday, he rode a stationary bike and even went into the weight room to stay strong. There is some pain in his knee which has kept him off the court and prevented him from shooting, but that will likely begin in a couple of days.

Like the Warriors, he wants to be back sooner than the two-week time frame given to him after the MCI sprain, but he won’t rush it. Injuries are different for everyone and all heal in various ways, so what could be two weeks for some could be one week for Curry.

In the other direction, two weeks for some could be three weeks for Curry. Either way, the Warriors will have to band together and take on the Trail Blazers without their star and leader, at least for a few games.

Thanks 4 all the prayers & messages. Can feel all the positive energy. God is Great! All things considered I’m Gonna be alright! #DubNation

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 25, 2016

The Golden State Warriors have a lot of talent on their roster, and they are a very strong team. It’s kind of hard not to say that about the defending NBA Champions who just set the record for most wins in a regular season. Still, without Stephen Curry, there is some concern and the Portland Trail Blazers are going to do whatever it takes to expose their weaknesses while the star is sidelined.

[Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]