Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has no doubt about how good his team is -- with or without All-Star and former Kia MVP Stephen Curry. Before Monday's game against the Utah Jazz, he told reporters "“Regular season or playoffs, we can beat anybody in the league without Steph."
MORE: Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker 'tired' of missing out on playoffs
He and his team will get plenty of chances at that in the coming weeks as Curry's Grade 2 MCL sprain will keep him out at least three more weeks. Kerr has also had to make do of late without All-Stars Draymond Green (pelvic contusion, flu), Klay Thompson (fractured right thumb) and Kevin Durant (fractured rib cartilage).
The Warriors were hoping Green could play tonight against the Indiana Pacers (1:30pm AEDT, NBA League Pass) after he went through practice yesterday. But he has been downgraded from probable to doubtful due to flu-like symptoms and a throat infection. Green missed the Warriors' last game because of flu symptoms.
Draymond Green (variety of issues) downgraded from probable last night to doubtful this morning, per #Warriors.
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) March 27, 2018
Draymond Green is doubtful because of flu like symptoms/throat infection
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) March 27, 2018
Draymond Green now doubtful tonight. Throat infection.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 27, 2018
As for Durant, he may be able to play Friday's home game against the Milwaukee Bucks (1:30pm AEDT on ESPN AU/NZ and NBA League Pass).
Yesterday, the San Francisco Chronicle's Ron Kroichick had more on Green's seeming turn towards improving health:
Green, who had been nursing a bruised pelvis, missed Monday's 110-91 loss to Utah because of flu symptoms. Head coach Steve Kerr said Green tried to break a sweat at Tuesday's practice then retreated to the trainer’s room to get fluids.
All four of the Warriors’ All-Stars missed the Jazz game with injuries. Green is the closest to returning, with Kevin Durant (sore ribs) not far behind and Klay Thompson (fractured right thumb) to follow. Stephen Curry (sprained left MCL) will miss the final nine games of the regular season and probably the first round of the playoffs.
The Warriors declared Durant out for Wednesday's game, though Kerr said he’s “really close” and probably will play Friday.
Durant moved well while taking shots after practice. Thompson also hoisted shots — mostly left-handed, a few right-handed — but he’s not expected to play in Golden State’s next two games. Kerr described Thompson as day-to-day.
