Stephen Curry expects to play in Game 4 vs. Rockets

By John Buhler | Apr 22, 2016

Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) follows through on a shot attempt during warm ups before the start of the game against the Houston Rockets in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Stephen Curry is progressing from his ankle injury suffered in Game 1 versus the Houston Rockets and would be “very surprised” if he doesn’t play in Game 4.

The No. 1 seeded Golden State Warriors probably don’t need Stephen Curry to play in any of the remaining games in their first round series versus the Houston Rockets, but Curry is anticipating a return to the hardwood for Game 4 in Houston.

Curry told Warriors side line reported Rosalyn Gold-Onwude that he “would be ‘very’ surprised” if he can’t go in Game 4 on Sunday at Toyota Center.

Steph Curry said he would be "very" surprised if he was told he couldn't play in Game 4.
— Ros Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) April 22, 2016

Curry injured his ankle in Game 1’s blowout of the Rockets, 104-78, on Saturday, April 16th, but the Warriors haven’t looked as dominant without him on the court in their last two games with Houston.

While Golden State topped the Rockets in Game 2 at Oracle Arena in Oakland on Monday, April 18th, 115-106, the Warriors fell at Toyota Center in Houston in Game 3 Thursday night on a last-second shot by Rockets All-Star shooting guard James Harden, 97-96.

Thursday night’s loss to the Rockets marks the 10th combined loss the Warriors have experienced in 85 regular season and NBA Playoff games. While Golden State was 32 wins better than the 41-41 2015-16 Rockets, playoff basketball is different and four-game sweeps aren’t as prevalent as they could be.

Though Curry is probably capable of playing in Game 4 on Sunday, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Warriors head coach Steve Kerr hold him out again in favor of Curry making his return to the hardwood in Game 5 back in Oakland on Wednesday, April 27th.

While the Warriors can advance to the Western Conference Semifinals to face the winner of the four-five series between the rival Los Angeles Clippers and the exciting Portland Trail Blazers without Curry playing another game in the opening round, Golden State will need Curry at 100% if the Warriors want to repeat as NBA Champions in 2016. It’s better to be safe than sorry with Curry’s health.

For more 2016 NBA Playoffs posts, please check out our NBA hub page.

Home/Golden State Warriors