With the Golden State Warriors currently in the final stage of the regular season, what could have been the worst thing to happen to the team? If your immediate answer was Stephen Curry sustaining a major injury, then you were right. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened, as the 3-point leader sustained a right thumb sprain during the Warriors’ recent game. This led to a cloud of worry rising over Bay Area fans. Thanks to a recent update, we now know that the cloud might not be going away anytime soon.

According to Tomer Azarly, Stephen Curry is listed as ‘Questionable’ for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The matchup will be the Golden State Warriors’ final one of this year’s regular season. With the Warriors currently tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves after possessing the same win percentage and record (48-33), a loss at this stage could hurt the Bay Area squad’s chances in the upcoming playoffs. Therefore, having the star player for the upcoming game is imperative.

The following report would contradict what the crew of ‘Warriors Plus/Minus’ podcast recently discussed. When discussing the injury, the crew highlighted that Stephen Curry has already declared himself “good to go Sunday”. A player holding a ‘Questionable’ status, however, is far from being ‘good to go’.

It was only a few weeks ago when Stephen Curry had sustained a pelvic contusion from a nasty fall during a game against the Toronto Raptors. Now, a thumb injury has taken ahold of the player. Curry had exited Friday’s game against the Trail Blazers after sustaining the ailment. However, he returned soon after getting his thumb taped in the locker room. Though Curry was only able to score 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists during the game, the Warriors were still able to win against the Blazers by a 103-86 score.

It was soon announced, after the game, that X-rays on Curry’s thumb were negative. When questioned about the injury after the game, he revealed, “From what I know, just an aggravation. The same thing [as the earlier thumb injury], but hopefully it wasn’t anything serious … I just know it hurts right now, but I’ll be all right.” At the same time, however, the 37-year-old revealed, when a reporter tried to delve into more specifics, that “I’m not really good with the anatomy, so. Just know it hurts right now, but I’ll be alright.” Well, Curry may not be a medical expert, but it is Tomer Azarly’s job to report facts. If the player is holding a ‘Questionable’ status, his odds of appearing in the less game are at 50-50, or even less.

Despite the odds, we know that Stephen Curry will make it a point to participate in the upcoming game. After all, as he made it clear, no game of the regular season might have been more important as the upcoming one will be.

Stephen Curry highlighted the importance of the Warriors-Clippers matchup through a ‘Game 7’ comparison

It is no secret that the current regular season was a roller-coaster ride for the Golden State Warriors. They recorded a memorable winning streak at the start of the season, going 12–3 at first. However, the team would then lose 4 consecutive games. It would develop 2 three-game losing skids, and win only 4 out of their 13 games. The squad then turned around its fate around in February by acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. The presence of another veteran scorer helped secure more wins and get the team to finally secure the 6th seed. Despite having made a major comeback, it will take just one more loss to affect the Warriors’ playoff chances. Therefore, for Stephen Curry, this game is as important as the final game of a playoff series.

Yesterday, ESPN reporter Ohm Youngmisuk asked Curry what Sunday will be like. The player replied, “I don’t want to be too dramatic. It should be like a Game 7 kind of vibe. You win and you control your destiny on a guaranteed playoffs series. If you lose, you roll the dice.” Golden State can fall no lower than seventh and a play-in spot with a loss. The Clippers can finish as high as fourth or as low as seventh.

The last time the Warriors and the Clippers met was on December 27th. Kawhi Leonard had not made his season debut yet, and the Bay Area franchise had not yet acquired Jimmy Butler III. The Warriors lost that game by a 102-92 score. The Warriors lost their 6th consecutive game against the Clippers. They had already lost 2 others in this season only. With Jimmy Butler on Stephen Curry’s side, the Warriors might have an advantage. Then again, anything can happen until the last bucket is made.