The Golden State Warriors face a difficult challenge in their NBA Cup opener against the Denver Nuggets without their star player. Steph Curry will be sidelined due to an illness that worsened recently, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Curry has been visibly suffering from colds and coughs since their victory over the Phoenix Suns last Tuesday. He was already ruled out in the Warriors’ loss to the Sacramento Kings. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler remains questionable after missing the Kings game with a lower back strain. Draymond Green is listed as probable to play.
Steph Curry’s absence is a significant blow to the Warriors. In their previous meeting, Curry scored 42 points, leading the team to an overtime win despite Aaron Gordon’s career-high 50 points, including a near-perfect 10-of-11 three-point shooting.
Without Curry, the Warriors will struggle to counter Denver’s key players such as Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Gordon. The challenge intensifies if Jimmy Butler also misses the game, which will take place in Denver, a notoriously tough venue due to its high altitude.
"Warriors superstar Steph Curry will not be available against the Nuggets due to an illness that 'worsened' yesterday morning." — ESPN’s Anthony Slater
The combination of player injuries and a demanding schedule makes tomorrow’s game a daunting task for Golden State.
Steph Curry’s illness and potential absences in key players pose a serious challenge for the Warriors as they face the Nuggets in a tough, high-altitude game amidst a grueling schedule.