The Warriors have been without Stephen Curry for six full games and all but the first two minutes of a seventh. The last three were less out of medical necessity than an abundance of caution.
Curry could, however, return as soon as Friday when the Atlanta Hawks visit Oracle Arena, multiple sources disclosed to NBC Sports Bay Area on Monday night. ESPN, citing league sources, was first to report the team's plan.
The two-time MVP's right ankle is scheduled to be reevaluated Tuesday, after which time a firm return date is expected.
Curry was physically able to play -- and actually pushed to return -- last weekend, according to league sources. But the Warriors, looking ahead to the playoffs and seeing diminished value in the remaining regular-season games, opted to continue rehabilitation in hopes of maximizing support for the area around his ankle.
The Warriors have described Curry's injury not as a sprain but a "tweak," implying less severity.
Though the Warriors won the game in which Curry was hurt, 110-107 over the Spurs on March 8, they have since lost four of six, including 89-75 on Monday in San Antonio.
The Warriors arrived early Tuesday morning and won't practice Tuesday afternoon and are contemplating skipping an official practice on Wednesday.
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The Warriors, averaging a league-leading 115.5 points per game this season, saw that figure drop to 103.3 during Curry's six-game absence.
