Steph Curry Remains Out as Warriors Face Pacers at Home

In a setback for the Golden State Warriors, star guard Steph Curry has been ruled out for their home game against the Indiana Pacers on March 3, 2024. Curry, who has been resting at home due to an illness, was initially listed as ‘questionable’ but was downgraded to ‘out’ just two hours before tipoff.

Head coach Steve Kerr had previously indicated that Curry’s condition was improving after he battled an unspecified illness during the Warriors’ recent victory over the Phoenix Suns on February 27, where he played despite showing signs of distress. After that game, he experienced significant coughing and sniffling, prompting him to miss the following two matches against the Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets.

Impact on the Warriors’ Season

The Warriors have struggled in Curry’s absence, losing both games and dropping to a season record of 5-5. Historical performance indicates that the team has a challenging track record without their leader, holding a record of 74-113 when Curry does not play. His contributions have been crucial this season, as he has averaged 26.8 points and 4.3 assists per game across eight starts.

Looking ahead, the Warriors are set to embark on a challenging road trip. They will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by games against the San Antonio Spurs—led by promising talent Victor Wembanyama—and a stop in New Orleans. The trip concludes with back-to-back games against playoff contenders, the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets.

Pacers’ Injury Struggles

The Pacers also enter the matchup with significant injury concerns. Key starters including Ben Mathurin, Pascal Siakam, Quenton Jackson, and Aaron Nesmith have been ruled out for the game. Additionally, superstar Tyrese Haliburton will miss the remainder of the season due to an Achilles injury, further complicating the Pacers’ lineup.

As both teams grapple with their respective challenges, the absence of Curry may prove to be a pivotal factor in the outcome of the game. The Warriors will aim to regain momentum and capitalize on their home court advantage, while the Pacers will look to make the most of their limited roster. Fans eagerly await the tipoff to see how these dynamics will unfold on the court.