Golden State Warriors: Curry to return in game two, what does it mean?

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before their game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of Round 1 of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 16, 2018 in Oakland, California. Curry is still out with an injury. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before their game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of Round 1 of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 16, 2018 in Oakland, California. Curry is still out with an injury. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors star point guard, Stephen Curry, has been announced as probable to make his playoff debut in game two of the second round against the New Orleans Pelicans. What does this mean for the series and going forward?

Golden State Warriors fans everywhere can finally let out a collective sigh of relief. During the team’s Monday practice, head coach Steve Kerr announced that Stephen Curry is officially probable for game two against the Pelicans on Tuesday night.

If he does in fact play, which is seemingly very likely, this will be the two-time MVP’s first appearance in the 2018 playoffs, and first appearance at all since injuring his knee on March 23rd of this year.

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Worst case scenario, Curry may sit out one more game. Regardless, we will be seeing his return this week.

Curry’s presence has been sorely missed for a majority of the playoffs thus far. While the team beat the San Antonio Spurs in a quick five games, the offense of the team was sorely missing their facilitator.

While the team did come out and beat the New Orleans Pelicans in convincing fashion in game one without Curry, the team did the same in game one of the series against San Antonio. Meaning the lack of difficulty in game one of the current series does not mean the team would not feel the absence of Curry deeply if he were not to return.

The offense can become stagnant at times when Curry is not available to play, which is to be expected from a team without their starting point guard. His return should prevent that from being a problem going forward in the playoffs.

It is important that Curry returns as soon as possible so he can get back into the swing of things before the western conference finals. In all likelihood the team will be matched up against the Houston Rockets and likely MVP, James Harden, in the conference finals.

If the Warriors want to beat these Rockets they will need the assistance of Curry.

Not to diminish the legitimacy of the Pelicans as a threat, but this series will serve as a three to six game warm-up period for Curry. This is not the best series for that to be the case though.

Curry has perhaps the most difficult back court matchup possible in this series. He will be guarded by a combination of guards Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo in the coming games. That has been the best defensive back court in the playoffs thus far, as they completely shut down the Trailblazers back court in their sweep of the team in the first round.

Next: Warriors obliterate Pelicans in game one

These two players will likely come out in game two attacking what may be a non-100% Curry in game two. How Curry performs when this happens will give us a good idea of where he is at in his recovery, as a fully healthy Curry should have no problem dealing with them.

Regardless of if he is at 100% or not, his return should spell doom for the Pelican’s chances at an upset in the series.