Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ star point guard, has confirmed that he will miss the team’s upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks due to a pelvic injury sustained during the previous game against the Toronto Raptors. Curry collided with Raptors rookie Jonathan Mogbo while driving for a layup, resulting in a hard landing on his tailbone. Despite undergoing an MRI that revealed no structural damage, Curry will not travel with the team for their six-game road trip. However, he is expected to return before the trip concludes on April 3.
The Warriors are currently fighting to maintain their No. 6 spot in the Western Conference standings, aiming to avoid the play-in tournament. In Curry’s absence, the team will rely on the contributions of new addition Jimmy Butler, who has been averaging 17.2 points per game since joining the Warriors. Butler recently recorded his third triple-double of the season in a win over the Raptors. Draymond Green emphasized the importance of Curry’s presence, stating that the team’s margin for error decreases without him.
The Atlanta Hawks, currently holding the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference, will also be missing a key player. Center Clint Capela has been sidelined due to a ligament injury in his left hand, with an expected re-evaluation in three to four weeks. Despite this, the Hawks have been performing well, with recent acquisitions Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and Terance Mann contributing significantly to the team’s success. LeVert is averaging 16.4 points, Niang adds 12.4 points, and Mann delivers 9.8 points per game since joining Atlanta.
This matchup between the Warriors and the Hawks is particularly noteworthy as it marks the second meeting between the teams this season. The Warriors secured a 120-97 victory in their first encounter on November 20 in San Francisco. However, the Hawks have been dominant in their home games against the Warriors, winning the last five matchups in Atlanta since December 2019.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching this game, as both teams navigate injuries and strive to solidify their positions in the playoff race.