On November 16, there will be an exciting matchup in the NBA. The leaders of the Eastern and Western Conferences are going to collide at the TD Garden. The Boston Celtics (13-2) are set to host the Golden State warriors (11-3). Both squads are riding multiple-game winning streaks. The Celtics have won their last 13, while the Warriors triumphed in seven consecutive outings heading into the much-anticipated showdown. Unfortunately, there is a possibility that the Warriors will play without Stephen Curry.
Stephen Curry is dealing with a right thigh contusion.
The injury led to the two-time MVP missing the Warriors' 110-100 victory over the Orlando Magic on November 13. As of the moment, the status of Curry against the Celtics remains undetermined as ESPN reported that he is "ruled as probable."
There would be no problem if Curry sits out to rest, but a lot of fans are going to be disappointed. Some of them will likely even claim that he is dodging Celtics superstar Kyrie Irving. The All-Star playmakers have had their epic battles in the past, and both of them already experienced success at the expense of the other. If Curry does see action this Thursday, there will be a new chapter in their storied rivalry. Though this time, Irving is with a different squad.
Ample firepower
If the Golden State Warriors have to face the Boston Celtics without Stephen Curry, they remain capable of ending the longest winning streak so far this season. The Warriors have proven numerous times in the past that they can capture big wins even without one or more of their star players.
On November 11, when the Warriors defeated the Orlando Magic without Stephen Curry, it was another former MVP who led the way.
Kevin Durant dropped 21 points on the Magic. Draymond Green (20 points), Shaun Livingston (16 points), and Klay Thompson (15 points) stepped up for the Dubs as well.
Aside from them, the Warriors also have the likes of Andre Iguodala, Nick Young, Omri Casspi, David West, JaVale McGee, and Patrick McCaw. All of them can contribute to help fill the void in the absence of Curry.
Fair game
The Golden State Warriors will not be the only ones missing a key player if Stephen Curry is still on the sideline by November 16. The Boston Celtics lost Gordon Hayward in their season opener. Golden State is lucky since Curry is unavailable for just a short amount of time. Boston will be without Hayward for the entirety of its campaign.
