By now it's clear: The Warriors aren't quite the Warriors without Stephen Curry.
After missing Golden State's final 12 games of the regular season, the two-time league MVP could be back in time for the beginning of Golden State's run in the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
Game 1 of the Warriors' first-round series with the Nuggets falls on Saturday, April 16, exactly one month since Curry last played.
Will the three-time champion be ready to go for Game 1? Here is what we know about Curry's status.
Will Stephen Curry play in Game 1 of 2022 NBA Playoffs vs. Nuggets?
The last official update from the Warriors, which came on Tuesday, April 12, said that Curry "continues to make good progress" and "started various individual on-court activities (shooting, running) last week and may return to full team practices at some point this week."
On Thursday, April 14, Curry appeared on "The Draymond Green Show," where his teammate asked him about his status. Curry said that "the goal has always been Game 1," adding that he was "very optimistic" that he'll be able to play.
.@StephenCurry30 tells @Money23Green that he’s “very optimistic” that he’ll be able to play in Game 1 pic.twitter.com/TiGodNR3O5
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) April 14, 2022
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Curry "is on track" to return in Game 1.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry (foot) is on track to make his return in Game 1 vs. Nuggets on Saturday as long as he clears team’s scrimmage today without issues, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 14, 2022
What is Stephen Curry's injury?
While initially ruled as "foot soreness," Curry's injury was officially diagnosed as a sprained ligament and bone bruise in his left foot.
The injury occurred in the second quarter of a game with the Celtics when Curry and Marcus Smart were tangled up in pursuit of a loose ball.
Steph Curry officially out for the game with what team is calling left foot soreness following this play pic.twitter.com/6edSJxQszv
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 17, 2022
Curry, 34, posted averages of 25.5 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds over 64 games during the 2021-22 regular season.
Warriors vs. Nuggets Game 1 start time
- Date: Saturday, April 16
- Time: 8:30 p.m.
Warriors vs. Nuggets Game 1 is set to tip off around 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 16. The game will be played at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Warriors vs. Nuggets schedule, TV channels
Here is the complete schedule for the first-round series between the Warriors and Nuggets.
(All times Eastern)
| Date | Game | Location | Time | National TV (US) |
| April 16 | Game 1 | Chase Center | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| April 18 | Game 2 | Chase Center | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| April 21 | Game 3 | Ball Arena | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| April 24 | Game 4 | Ball Arena | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| April 27 | Game 5* | Chase Center | TBD | TBD |
| April 29 | Game 6* | Ball Arena | TBD | TBD |
| May 1 | Game 7* | Chase Center | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
