The Golden State Warriors narrowly avoided disaster on Wednesday night.
Late in the franchise’s 104-100 loss to the Houston Rockets, Stephen Curry stepped over to take a charge on Amen Thompson and paid the price afterwards. The four-time NBA champion was visibly in pain and declined to finish the contest due to an apparent lower-body injury.
The Warriors revealed that Curry suffered a right quad contusion, which was confirmed by an MRI.
“Stephen Curry, who exited last night’s game against the Rockets due to a right quadriceps contusion, underwent an MRI late last night,” The Warriors wrote on X/Twitter. “The MRI confirmed a quadriceps contusion and muscle strain. He will be re-evaluated in one week.”
With Curry sidelined, the Dubs had no choice but to find an injury replacement for the 37-year-old ahead of their upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Shortly before tip-off, the franchise revealed who would take Curry’s spot in Golden State’s starting lineup.
"Saturday night starters (Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Quentin Post," the Warriors posted on X/Twitter.
Podziemski is having a career year from a three-point shooting standpoint. The Santa Clara product is highly effective when spotting up on the perimeter, evidenced by his 39.1% three-point shooting percentage through 20 games.
Without Curry, though, Podziemski will have to assume more ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities for the Dubs, which won’t be easy.
Still, with assets like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green by his side, Podziemski won’t be forced to do it all by himself, which should provide a sense of comfort for the 22-year-old guard.
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