The Golden State Warriors will face the Boston Celtics on Thursday night without star guard Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined with a right knee injury. Curry has missed six consecutive games due to patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as “runner’s knee,” and his return timeline remains uncertain, according to Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
Despite the extended break following the All-Star game, Curry wasn’t cleared to play, a situation Kerr described as “unfortunate.” He added that an update on Curry’s condition would be provided after further evaluation by the team’s training staff. The Warriors are currently eighth in the Western Conference standings, and Curry’s absence adds to the challenge as they fight for playoff positioning.
Still, there’s potential for a debut on the other side of the court. Newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis is questionable to play for the Warriors, marking a possible return from Achilles tendinitis. Porzingis expressed optimism about playing, stating he’s targeting Thursday’s game as his return date and anticipating a “surprisingly good post All-Star break.” He has appeared in just 17 games this season, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots.
Celtics Enter as Favorites
The Celtics, currently second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 35-19, are favored by 5.5 points, according to betting lines. The over/under is set at 211.5. Boston boasts a strong record of 7-3 in their last 10 games, while the Warriors have gone 4-6 over the same period. The Celtics lead the league in points allowed per game at 108.4, while the Warriors allow 113.7 points per game.
This game marks a reunion of sorts, with Al Horford now a member of the Celtics and Porzingis joining the Warriors. The Warriors lead the NBA in made three-pointers with 897, while the Celtics are third with 831, highlighting the shooting prowess of both teams.
Injury Updates and Team Stats
The Celtics are relatively healthy, with only Jayson Tatum continuing to rehab an Achilles injury sustained last May. The Warriors, beyond Curry’s absence, will be looking for contributions from Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer to fill the void in the backcourt.
Here’s a quick look at key team statistics:
| Statistic | Boston Celtics | Golden State Warriors |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 115.3 | 115.5 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 108.4 | 113.7 |
| Field Goal Percentage | .467 | .461 |
| Opponent Field Goal Percentage | .444 | .472 |
The Warriors, who struggled down the stretch before the All-Star break, losing four of their last six games, will need a strong performance to compete with the Celtics. The Celtics, 5.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons, are looking to solidify their position at the top of the Eastern Conference.
How to Watch
Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. PST at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime and NBC Sports Boston, and can also be heard on WBZ-FM 98.5.
As the Warriors navigate Curry’s continued absence and await Porzingis’ debut, Thursday’s game against the Celtics presents a significant test. The outcome will offer a clearer picture of Golden State’s playoff aspirations and Boston’s dominance in the Eastern Conference.
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