TThe Golden State Warriors could benefit from a key Suns injury update ahead of a must-win play-in game, with multiple players listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry is not listed on the injury report ahead of Friday’s NBA Play-In Tournament elimination game against the Phoenix Suns, a notable development after an early-game scare in Golden State’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
The two-time MVP briefly exited to the locker room in the opening moments of that game but returned to deliver a vintage performance, finishing with 35 points and hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer with 50.4 seconds left to cap a 13-point fourth-quarter comeback.
Warriors, Suns Injury Report Shapes Play-In Stakes
GettyMark Williams could miss the Phoenix Suns’ play-in tournament knockout game against the Golden State Warriors.
Phoenix has listed starting center Mark Williams (left foot soreness) and guard Grayson Allen (left hamstring) as questionable.
Williams played 22 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to Portland, finishing with four points, four rebounds and three blocks, but has averaged just 5.5 points over his past two games. Allen has missed Phoenix’s last two contests after exiting against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 10.
If Allen is sidelined, the Suns would lose one of their primary perimeter shooters, potentially allowing Golden State to apply more pressure defensively and shrink the floor.
The Warriors are also managing injuries of their own. Jimmy Butler remains out following right ACL surgery, while Moses Moody and Quinten Post are also sidelined.
Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis is listed as questionable due to right ankle soreness after a strong performance against the Clippers.
Kristaps Porzingis Injury Adds Another Variable for Warriors
GettyKristaps Porzingis’ status for the Golden State Warriors’ knockout game against the Phoenix Suns is up in the air.
Porzingis finished with 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks in Wednesday’s win, playing a key role in Golden State’s comeback.
However, he appeared to favor his ankle late in the game, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, suggesting the injury may have occurred during the contest.
Porzingis is expected to test the ankle during shootaround and pregame warmups before a final determination is made. His availability could impact Golden State’s frontcourt depth in a matchup that may hinge on rebounding and interior defense.
Stephen Curry’s Momentum Continues at Critical Time
Curry’s performance against the Clippers underscored his growing rhythm after returning from a lengthy knee injury absence.
He scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half, including the decisive late 3-pointer that sealed the comeback. Over the regular season, Curry averaged 23.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists against Phoenix.
Golden State also won three of the four regular-season meetings between the teams.
Warriors Poised to Capitalize After Suns’ Collapse
Phoenix enters Friday under pressure after surrendering an 11-point lead with less than seven minutes remaining in its loss to Portland.
The Suns now face elimination, while the Warriors arrive with momentum and a proven ability to execute late — something they demonstrated in their comeback win over the Clippers.
Final Playoff Spot on the Line
Friday’s game, scheduled for 7 p.m. MST (10 p.m. ET) in Phoenix, will determine the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and a first-round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Curry healthy after an early scare, Phoenix potentially short-handed, and Porzingis’ status uncertain, the matchup could ultimately come down to depth, execution and which team handles adversity better in a win-or-go-home setting.
Warriors Get Good News From Suns Injury Report Before Elimination Game