Golden State Warriors get massive double boost ahead of Lakers matchup
The Golden State Warriors are riding their biggest momentum wave of the season, and the positives are only continuing with two major injury updates ahead of their matchup with the Lakers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Reports had already emerged about Stephen Curry’s expected return barring any setback, but it appears he’ll be joined by his longtime teammate and veteran Andre Iguodala. The 39-year-old hasn’t played since a win over the San Antonio Spurs on January 13.
Coming off a 5-0 homestand, the Golden State Warriors are set for a further boost with the returns of Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala on Sunday.
The four-time championship-winning pair are probable for the game according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. Curry has missed 11 straight games since injuring his lower leg against the Dallas Mavericks on February 4. Somewhat surprisingly, Golden State have been able to cover his absence with a fruitful 7-4 record during the stretch.
The Warriors five-game winning streak is their second of the season, both of which have come during a long homestand without their two-time MVP. There’s little doubt Curry will be a welcome return though with Golden State still looking to solidify a top six playoff spot in the West.
Iguodala’s return may be less impactful, but even having him available will be a boost to a team that’s been plagued by injury issues over recent months. The 2015 Finals MVP has only played three games all season, all of which came consecutively where he played around 40 combined minutes.
The duo’s return leaves Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II as the only two key players that remain sidelined. Golden State’s starting small-forward has missed seven-straight games while he deals with personal matters, while the recently re-acquired Payton is expected to be evaluated later in the month as he recovers from an abdominal injury.