LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Golden State guard Stephen Curry looked strong in training on Friday, but coach Steve Kerr said it was still unlikely his injured star would be in uniform for the Warriors in their playoff game at Portland on Saturday.
On Friday morning Kerr indicated on “The Dan Patrick Show” radio broadcast that Curry would definitely miss Saturday’s game three of the best-of-seven Western Conference second-round series.
After watching Curry, who wore a brace protecting his sprained right knee, Kerr was a little less categorical — but still doubtful that Curry would suit up on Saturday.
“Today was by far the best he looked,” Kerr said. “He’s made progress each day. He took part on the court in a practice today. We didn’t scrimmage but we did a lot of defensive work … full-court shooting stuff.
“He took part in all of it and he looked much, much better than he did even two days ago.
“It’s a great sign, but we still want to see him in a three-on-three, a five-on-five. I don’t think that will happen by tomorrow at 5:30 Portland time. … I don’t see him playing tomorrow.”
The Warriors lead the Trail Blazers 2-0 in their best of seven series after two victories at home. Portland hosts game three on Saturday and game four on Monday.
Curry hurt his knee when he slipped on a wet spot on the court in game four of the Warriors’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, which Golden State won in five games.
Curry also missed the second and third games of the Houston series due to a sore right ankle.
Teammate Klay Thompson wants Curry to stay on the sidelines until he is 100 percent.
“We’re not in a threatened position so much right now so we can still play with a great sense of urgency but take our time not rushing him back,” Thompson said.
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