Steph Curry returns as the Warriors face other key absences for their matchup against Minnesota.
The Golden State Warriors (13-12) will host the Minnesota Timberwolves (15-9) at Chase Center on Friday night, and both teams are dealing with key injuries that could shape how this Western Conference matchup unfolds.
Here's a look at who's in and who's out heading into tip-off.
Timberwolves Injuries
Minnesota will be without veteran point guard Mike Conley, who has been ruled out due to right Achilles tendinopathy.
Conley has been coming off the bench this season and averaging 5.3 points and 3.2 assists per game in a reduced role.
While his absence doesn't have the same impact it once did, the Wolves will still miss his steady presence and leadership on the floor.
The bigger question mark for Minnesota is star guard Anthony Edwards, who is listed as questionable with right foot soreness.
Edwards has been one of the best players in the league this season, putting up 28.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while ranking seventh in the NBA in scoring.
He showed he can battle through ailments just a few days ago when he dropped 40 points against the Suns while dealing with an illness, but this foot issue is a new concern that popped up this week.
Warriors Injuries
Golden State will be without Draymond Green, who is out for personal reasons and did not practice this week.
Reports indicate his wife's due date is this week, which explains the excused absence.
Green has been averaging 8.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists this season, and his defensive presence will be missed against Minnesota's size.
Al Horford is also ruled out as he continues to deal with a right sciatic nerve irritation that has kept him sidelined for multiple games.
However, the big news for the Warriors is that Stephen Curry is not on the injury report and should be good to go after missing five games with a left quad contusion.
Curry's Return Could Be the Difference
Curry addressed the media on Thursday and said he's feeling great after a productive rehab week and participating fully in practice, including scrimmage work.
Head coach Steve Kerr expects him to return to action Friday night.
Before the injury, Curry was averaging 27.9 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game while leading the Warriors with 4.7 three-pointers made per contest.
The Matchup Ahead
The timing of Curry's return could not be better for the Warriors.
If Edwards is limited or sits out due to his foot injury, Golden State will have a major advantage in the backcourt battle.
Minnesota is coming off a tough 108-105 loss to the Suns, while the Warriors have won two straight games against the Cavaliers and Bulls on their recent road trip.
The Warriors have been solid at home this season with a 7-3 record at Chase Center, while the Timberwolves are 7-5 on the road.
Even without Green and Horford, having Curry back gives Golden State a legitimate chance to take advantage of a banged-up Wolves squad.
Players like Trayce Jackson-Davis, who is listed as probable with patellar tendonitis, and Quinten Post will need to step up in the frontcourt to handle Minnesota's Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert.
Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET at Chase Center.