Kerr provides update on Curry's quad injury as Warriors face tough stretch.
The Golden State Warriors (11-10) are dealing with a tough situation as they try to stay afloat in the Western Conference without their franchise icon Stephen Curry, who has been sidelined with a quad injury since Nov. 26.
Kerr Speaks on Curry's Status
Head coach Steve Kerr joined 95.7 The Game on Monday and gave an update on the 11-time All-Star's recovery, though the news didn't bring much clarity for fans hoping to see Curry back on the court soon.
"I don't think any of us are too concerned that this is a long-term thing, but we also don't have clarity on exactly when he's going to play," Kerr said.
Curry suffered a quad contusion after colliding with Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson during Golden State's 104-100 loss on Nov. 26, and the four-time NBA champion has not done any on-court work since.
The Warriors expect to have another update on Thursday, but Kerr made it clear that Curry won't play against Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.
Whether Curry joins the team on their upcoming three-game road trip remains up in the air, as Kerr noted the decision will come down to what makes the most sense for his recovery. "To be determined," Kerr said when asked about Curry traveling with the team. "Rick Celebrini and Steph will put their heads together."
Warriors Face Brutal Upcoming Schedule
The timing of Curry's injury couldn't be worse for Golden State. Before his season averages of 27.9 points per game on 47.1 percent shooting and 39.1 percent from three-point range go to waste, the Warriors need to find a way to tread water without their best player during a very difficult stretch of games.
Tuesday night brings a matchup against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who are off to a historic 20-1 start and have won 12 straight games.
The Thunder already beat Golden State 126-102 back on Nov. 12, and facing them without Curry makes an already tough matchup even harder.
After that, the road trip takes the Warriors to Philadelphia, then Cleveland, where the Cavaliers (12-9) await, and finally to Chicago.
It's a brutal run of games that could make or break Golden State's season if they can't find ways to win without their star.
Who Steps Up Without Curry?
In Curry's absence, the Warriors have leaned on Jimmy Butler, who leads the team with 20.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season.
Brandin Podziemski has moved into the starting lineup and is averaging 12.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, while players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody will need to step up their play as well.
The Warriors beat the New Orleans Pelicans 104-96 on Saturday without Curry, with Butler finishing with 24 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in that one.
But the Pelicans sit at just 3-18 on the season, and the upcoming opponents won't be nearly as forgiving.
Golden State has gone 2-3 without Curry in the lineup this season and holds an all-time record of just 93-155 when he doesn't play, which shows just how much they rely on him.
If the Warriors want to stay in the playoff picture, they'll need the rest of the roster to carry the load until their franchise cornerstone returns.