Stephen Curry on track to return for Game 1 vs. Nuggets

As long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks in Thursday’s scrimmage, Stephen Curry is on track to return for Game 1 of the Warriors‘ playoff series against Denver on Saturday, sources tell Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic (Twitter link).

Curry was able to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a left foot sprain and bone bruise on March 16 vs. Boston. Golden State was just 8-10 in games Curry missed this season, but finished out the season strong by winning its last five games to secure the No. 3 seed in the West.

The two-time former MVP had a down season by his spectacular standards, but still had a tremendous impact on both ends of the court. In 64 games this season (34.5 minutes per night), he averaged 25.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals on .437/.380/.923 shooting.

Curry’s potential return and health will be key factors in Golden State’s chances for a deep playoff run. If the Warriors can defeat the Nuggets in the first round, they’d face the winner of the Memphis-Minnesota series in the semifinal.

The Warriors returned to the playoffs in 2021-22 after a two-year absence, finishing with a 53-29 record. The team famously won three championships in four seasons from 2015-2018, led by the core of Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.