Steph Curry of the Warriors Sidelined for At Least a Week Due to Hamstring Injury

Article Rewrite:

Title: Curry Out for a Week: How the Tough Fight Against the Rockets Affects the Warriors' Playoff Journey

steel yourself, folks, Steph Curry's gonna be sidelined for at least a week due to a Grade 1 left hammy strain. The team spilled the beans Wednesday afternoon.

This injury happened during the first half of the Warriors' 99-88 win over the Timberwolves in Game 1, with Steph scoring 13 points in just 13 minutes. With Steph out, Buddy Hield and Draymond Green took charge, racking up a combined 42 points, including nine three-pointers.

With this timeline, Curry'd miss out on Game 4 (May 12) and potentially Game 5 (May 14th), putting him in the lineup for Game 5 only if the series goes that far. If they need a Game 6, it'd be on May 18, while a potential Game 7 would be on May 20th.

It's Curry's first muscle strain since stepping foot on the court, so keep an ear out for his recovering progress.

"He's pretty bummed," coach Kerr said after Tuesday's win. "But the boys stepped in and played a brilliant game, and we're worrying about Steph, but it's just part of the game."

The next round of action kicks off Thursday at 8:30 p.m. EST.

Pondering the Impact of a Long Series

It's hard not to wonder if the Warriors are paying the price for making the Houston Rockets sweat in their first-round series. They snagged a 3-1 lead on Apr. 28 and whiffed on their chances to close the series out on Apr. 30 and May 2. With a Game 7 on May 4th, the opener against Minnesota was played on May 6th.

At 37, Curry's body may have needed a little rest after the extra round, considering he's been dealing with a thumb injury, too.

Facing the Timberwolves without Curry promises to be a colossal challenge. But, there is reason for hope.

Riding the Waves with Butler

If there's a glimmer of hope for Warriors fans, it's Jimmy Butler. Once a Wolves player, Butler has the Midas touch, & when he rises, he does it in style, lifting his teammates along with him.

Butler wrapped up Game 1 with 20 points, 11 boards, eight assists, and two steals. His shooting form could use some work though, with just 7 out of 20 from the field.

With Curry out, we'll need Green to contribute at least 18 points per game for the foreseeable future. Who else steps up on the scoring front will be a deciding factor.

Enrichment Details: - In previous playoffs, Curry has displayed his resilience, including his 50-point performance in a Game 7 against Sacramento Kings in 2023. - The extended series against Houston potentially contributed to Curry's inconsistent performance in Game 7 and the Warriors' reliance on other players such as Buddy Hield and Draymond Green. - Despite Curry's injury, the Warriors must build on their championship experience and depth to succeed in the playoffs. - Acquired at the trade deadline, Butler has a reputation for rising to the occasion and boosting his team's performance in critical moments like Game 1 against Minnesota. - The potential fatigue and injuries from the extended series against the Rockets might have impacted Curry's performance, as well as the Warriors' overall team dynamics.

With Steph Curry's absence due to a hamstring strain for at least a week, the pressure is on Draymond Green and Buddy Hield to rebound and maintain the team's momentum in the NBA playoffs.
In the upcoming games, Green will be expected to score at least 18 points per game, as the three-pointer barrage from the duo might not be enough without Curry's presence.
Jimmy Butler, having faced the Warriors in the past as a former player, will be a crucial factor in the series, demonstrating his ability to lift his teammates with his performance, as shown in Game 1 where he scored 20 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists.
The extended series against the Houston Rockets may have taken its toll on Curry, given his age (37) and the thumb injury he's been managing, which could potentially explain his inconsistent performance in the previous games.
Taking a cue from his resilient past performances in the playoffs, such as his 50-point game in a Game 7 against the Sacramento Kings in 2023, Curry's recovery progress will be closely monitored.
As the Warriors face the Timberwolves, they will need to capitalize on their championship experience and team depth to succeed, given the colossal challenge that lies ahead without their star player, Steph Curry.