Curry hoping for quick recovery from ankle injury

MADRID (AP) -- Stephen Curry is eager to overcome an ankle injury, hopeful it won't impact his chances of making the U.S. roster for the world championship.

Curry didn't practice Thursday after suffering a mild sprain to his left ankle a day earlier. The U.S. team said Curry's recovery was "progressing'' but he remained day to day.

With one player still to be cut from the 13-man squad -- and most likely a guard -- Curry looked slightly anxious after watching his teammates practice.

"It hurts. To miss a great practice like this with the scrimmaging and all -- it's never great to have an injury, especially in a pressure situation like this,'' Curry said at the Magic Box center on the outskirts of the Spanish capital. "I just have to make sure I get back this weekend.''

The U.S. plays Lithuania on Saturday and defending world champion Spain on Sunday as part of it's warmup for the Aug. 28- Sept. 12 tournament in Turkey.

Curry was on the court shooting free throws and 3-pointers while the team stretched out after playing a scrimmage. Curry wore flip-flops with a lone bandage over his ankle. He said he was already feeling better.

"The way it felt yesterday compared to today, I know I'm doing good,'' said the 22-year-old Golden State player.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski said he would cut one player after the team's final exhibition match against Greece next week.