Warriors say Curry out vs. Clips; Payton to miss at least week

Golden State Warriors confirmed on Thursday that their superstar Stephen Curry will sit out against the LA Clippers whereas Gary Payton II has been ruled out for at least a week. Draymond Green is also doubtful for the game because of a left lower back contusion.

Payton underwent an MRI on Thursday that showed a mild left calf strain and he would be reassessed within a week, the team has revealed. Payton has been the Warriors’ best defender and his absence will be a huge blow for the Dubs.

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry scored 38 points in 36 minutes during a 115-113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas night. Head coach Steve Kerr has confirmed that Curry could miss one of the Warriors’ upcoming two matches.

Curry has been dealing with bilateral pain in his knees and thus the Warriors have stressed the importance of managing his workload. On the other hand, Payton first injured his left calf in a win at Minnesota on Nov. 21 and he has been struggling with the injury since then. Payton is averaging 4.6 points in 13.1 minutes per game. 

The Warriors have veered off the track after getting off to a 12-3 start in the season as they have managed only three wins in their last 14 games. The Warriors will next take on LA Clippers on Friday.

On the other hand, Dallas Mavericks talisman Luka Doncic has been ruled out for at least a month due to a calf injury. The Slovenian suffered the injury during Wednesday’s Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Praying for Luka just to have a speedy recovery,” Irving said after scoring 39 points in Wednesday’s loss. “However long the timetable is, we’re going to have to adjust. It’s just the nature of the business. Hopefully, he just takes his time and comes back when he’s ready.”