Denver, meanwhile, is also dealing with absences, with Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson sidelined, but the Warriors still face a tough matchup against one of the Western Conference’s top teams. With a two-game skid and being 3.5 games back of the Suns, every game carries additional urgency for Steve Kerr’s club.
In this scenario, younger players like Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and Will Richard are expected to shoulder more of the scoring load. Veteran Al Horford may be charged with anchoring the interior and guarding Nikola Jokic, highlighting the coaching challenge for Kerr.
Stephen Curry has not played since the loss to Detroit on Jan. 30, and while imaging shows no structural damage, he is managing ongoing pain. Coach Kerr emphasized that the goal is to protect Curry while keeping him available when healthy, noting there is still plenty to play for in the playoff race.
Owner Joe Lacob has rejected any notion of tanking, reaffirming that rebuilding is not in the franchise’s plans. He stressed that the team’s aim remains to compete and win, even as age and injuries test depth.
Even with Curry’s status and the extended injury list, the Warriors will rely on a mix of younger players and available veterans to navigate the Nuggets test. Fans will look for competitive effort and signs of progress as the season progresses toward a return to full strength.
