“I’ve been through plenty of those episodes. I know whether it’s something I can play on or not,” said Stephen Curry earlier this month. Trouble with his ankle has existed for the Warrior since the early stages of his career. However, the recent ailment he sustained during a matchup against the LA Clippers threatened to snap the good win streak that his franchise had. Fortunately, the legend returned quickly, and the Warriors continued winning. Now, as they take on the LA side again, this time on their home turf, they may once again have to go about business without their star player!

Earlier today, it was reported by Anthony Slater that Stephen Curry is questionable for the upcoming matchup, because of left knee bursitis. To add a bit more salt to the wound, the injury report also contains the name of Kevon Looney. He is also questionable with an illness. After a 10-2 win record, losing two key players is the last thing Steve Kerr would want.

After missing 3 games due to an ankle ailment, the 36-year-old has now sustained left knee inflammation. This is not the player’s first rodeo with the injuries on that part of his leg. As a result, it is hard to determine the severity of the injury until official reports come in.

Science Direct released a report by compiling available data on players between 2015 and 2020. According to it, minor injuries can keep a player away from the court for simply 1 game. Unfortunately, moderate injuries can result in a 2-10 game absence. In the worst-case scenario, severe ones can keep the player away from the court for a total of 11 games, or more.

Not everything is gloomy for the Warriors squad, however. Per reports, Steve Kerr revealed that 27-year-old shooting guard/small forward Lindy Waters III is “good to go”. He had sustained a hyperextended left knee on Friday against the Grizzlies. Known for his versatile shooting, Lindy’s availability ensures that some part of the GSW’s offensive effort can be taken up by him.

The timing of Stephen Curry’s injury does not bode well, as the Warriors are in the middle of participating in the NBA Cup along with the main regular season games. Fortunately, the upcoming LA Clippers and Atlanta Hawks games are not a part of the Cup series. And the player can get his rest before getting back into the grove of things. The last prominent knee injury that Curry sustained happened to be back around the same time last year! It kept him out for less than one week after they determined that no structural damage had taken place. Even if the absence period is not long, Kerr needs to determine the best way to move forward without Curry and Looney.

How will the Golden State Warriors proceed without Stephen Curry and Kevon Looney?

In Stephen Curry’s absence, both Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton can see an increase in their minutes. Meanwhile, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kyle Anderson may undertake more responsibilities with Kevin Looney being away because of illness.

Being the backup point guard, Podziemski gets enough time to shine on the court. During the previous season, he played in 74 games and started in 28. He went on to average 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. At the same, he maintained 26.6 minutes per game. During Stephen Curry’s 3-game absence this season, Podz’s minutes went from 25 in the Clippers game to 34, 38, and 38 in October.

Meanwhile, Gary Payton II serves as the tertiary small forward on the Warriors squad. Despite this, he got substantial action during the previous season. After all, he participated in 44 games, while starting in 0. He averaged 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Through this, he showcased that his scoring was on par with that of Podziemski.

Together, the duo may not be able to make as big of a dent as Stephen Curry. After all, who can? However, they can ease Steve Kerr’s tension as the coach looks to maintain the Warriors’ win streak.