The matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors on Monday night is proving itself to be a looming heavyweight battle in the Western Conference that would not have been billed as that a little over a month ago. The only problem is whether each side's top troops will be available.
After going 5-5 over their last 10 games, the Nuggets will be forced to fend off a Warriors team that has absolutely caught fire since the NBA Trade Deadline. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler has worked out well for Golden State. That may actually be an undersell. The Warriors are 14-1 with Butler in the lineup since landing a trade with the Miami Heat to bring the formerly disgruntled star to the Bay Area.
Butler has allowed for Stephen Curry to find his magic touch again. The Warriors superstar has been on fire with his newest running mate in the lineup. Curry quickly quieted all the narratives perceiving him as 'washed.'
However, when it comes to the matchup against the Nuggets, there is doubt as to whether the four-time NBA champion will even be available.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic noted that Curry has been listed on the injury report for the Warriors as questionable with a lower back strain.
The two-time NBA MVP joins Quentin Post, who is also questionable due to ankle soreness. Brandin Podziemski has been confirmed as out due to a back issue.
As a Physical Therapist I'm honestly confused how 3 starting players have been out with low back issues. Generally fairly preventable and not a common injury in basketball. I'm wondering if it's an issues with their strength training, practice schedule etc.
— Megan Oza, DPT (@SportsInjuryPT) March 17, 2025
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With the Nuggets encountering a laundry list of injuries as well, not having to guard the premier shooter in NBA history would go a long way to making this a much easier game for Denver.
Nikola Jokic (elbow/ankle), Jamal Murray (right ankle sprain), Aaron Gordon (calf/ankle), and Christian Braun (foot) are all listed as day-to-day due to their injuries.
The Nuggets will continue their pursuit of the second seed in the Western Conference at 10:00 PM ET tonight.
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM.