Curry's Hamstring Injury Shakes Western Conference Semifinals

The Warriors-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>Golden State Warriors will face elimination Thursday night without their two-time MVP Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined with a left Hamstring Strain. This marks Curry's third straight absence in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Timberwolves-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>Minnesota Timberwolves, with Golden State trailing 3-1 in the series.

Impact of Curry's Absence

The 36-year-old guard suffered the grade 1 strain during Game 1's fourth quarter. Despite initial hopes for a Game 5 return, team medical staff confirmed Wednesday that Curry needs additional recovery time. The Warriors have gone 0-3 without their floor leader, averaging just 104.3 points per game compared to their regular-season 115.8 average.

Timberwolves Seize Control of Series

Minnesota's young stars have dominated the Warriors' depleted lineup:

• Anthony Edwards: 28.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG last three games
• Julius Randle: 22.7 PPG, 7.1 APG in series
• Team 3PT%: 43.6% in Games 3-4

Warriors' Survival Strategy

Coach Steve Kerr emphasized adjustments to compensate for Curry's absence:

• Increased ball movement (target: 300+ passes per game)
• Expanded role for Jonathan Kuminga (23 pts in Game 4)
• Defensive focus on Edwards/Randle pick-and-roll

Key Factors for Game 5

Historical Context

The Warriors face their first elimination game without Curry since 2013. Minnesota hasn't closed a playoff series at home since Kevin Garnett's 2004 squad.

Critical Matchup Watch

Draymond Green vs. Rudy Gobert: The battle for paint control could decide whether Minnesota advances or Golden State forces Game 6.

What's Next?

While Curry could potentially return for Game 6, the Warriors must first survive Thursday's do-or-die matchup at Target Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET on TNT.