The Golden State warriors will be without guard Seth Curry after an MRI confirmed a sciatic nerve issue, league reporter Anthony Slater wrote Sunday. Slater added Curry will be re-evaluated in two weeks, a check that will determine the timeline for his return.
Curry had appeared in 2 games for Golden State this season, averaging 7.0 points in 16.0 minutes per game. His absence removes a proven perimeter shooter and veteran spacing piece from a rotation that ranks eighth in the west at 16-15.
Losing Curry matters beyond raw scoring because he stabilizes catch-and-shoot looks and late-clock spacing, especially with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler absorbing much of opposing attention.
Immediate candidates to soak up Curry’s minutes include Pat Spencer, Buddy Hield and Will Richard, all listed in the team rotation and capable of spot 3-point work. De’Anthony Melton and Moses Moody are additional options to handle guard minutes if matchup demands call for more defense or playmaking.
The timing complicates a busy stretch: Golden State visits Toronto on Dec. 28, then Brooklyn on Dec. 29 and Charlotte on Dec. 31 before a January slate that includes Oklahoma City on Jan. 2.
