OAKLAND -- At a time when the Warriors could use a boost, they'll get Friday night when Stephen Curry rejoins the lineup as they face the Atlanta Hawks.
The Warriors (53-18) have been shorthanded for two weeks, and still they'll be without three of their four All-Stars. Curry's return after a six-game absence, however, will send a jolt of energy through the team and the crowd at Oracle Arena.
The Hawks (21-51), in full rebuild mode, have lost 10 of 13 since the All-Star break, including a 105-90 loss to the Kings on Thursday night in Sacramento before the lightest NBA crowd of the season due to protests in the wake of a police shooting.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 9
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Stephen Curry vs. Dennis Schroder: Under normal circumstances, this is worthy of attention, but it's particularly intriguing with Curry making his return. Schroder, who rested Thursday night, is a defensive pest, the type of player whose presence lights a fire under opponents. Not that Curry needs it. He's downright anxious to get back on the court.
Sports
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: F Omri Casspi (R ankle sprain) is listed as questionable. F Kevin Durant (R rib cartilage injury), F Draymond Green (pelvic contusion) and G Klay Thompson (R thumb fracture) are listed as out.
Hawks: G Kent Bazemore (R knee bone bruise), F De'Andre Bembry (abdominal strain), G Antonious Cleveland (L ankle surgery rehab), F/C John Collins (L ankle sprain), G Malcolm Delaney (L ankle sprain) and G Jaylen Morris (L ankle sprain) are listed as out.
LAST 10
Warriors: 6-4. Hawks: 2-8.
GAME OFFICIALS
Sean Wright (crew chief), Kevin Cutler, Rodney Mott
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors prevailed in the first of two meetings this season, 114-109 on March 2 in Atlanta. They swept the two-game series last season and are 6-1 against the Hawks in the Steve Kerr era.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
DEFENSIVE INTENSITY: Green's absence robs the Warriors of their best defender and emotional leader. How do they compensate? That's going to be tough. Expect Jordan Bell (who will start) and Kevon Looney to handle most of the minutes at PF. They're capable and willing defenders, but neither has Green's savvy.
THE GIFTS: Though the Warriors, even without a full roster, are much the better team, those circumstances have guaranteed nothing this season. They have a tendency to keep games close by committing costly turnovers. The Hawks are second in forcing turnovers (15.5 per game) and third in points off turnovers (18.2).
THE GUARDS: Curry's return gives the Warriors a fourth guard, with three PGs (Quinn Cook, Shaun Livingston, Curry) and SG Nick Young. Because Curry and Quinn Cook are capable of playing off the ball, there will be several variations. Any two can be paired as a duo. The coaching staff gets to satisfy its desire to experiment.
