2022 Playoffs: West First Round | Warriors (3) vs. Nuggets (6)

Stephen Curry 'very optimistic' about playing in Game 1

Golden State's top scorer and star guard has not played in a game since March 16.

Stephen Curry may be back in time for Game 1 of the playoffs vs. Denver.

After being out of the Golden State Warriors’ lineup for nearly a month, star guard Stephen Curry may be ready to get back in the mix for the playoff opener.

In an interview on teammate Draymond Green’s podcast, Curry said he is “very optimistic” about appearing in Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday at Chase Center (8:30 ET, ABC).

“The goal has always been Game 1, the goal still remains Game 1,” Curry said on the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show”, via the San Francisco Chronicle.  “Very optimistic that it’ll be Game 1. Whatever that means, I just want to be available.”

Additionally, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Curry is on track to play this weekend barring any setbacks in Thursday’s team scrimmage.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Curry “felt good” after the scrimmage and will be monitored on Friday.

Kerr plans to keep the three-time champion on a minutes restriction if he is active for Game 1.

The Warriors posted a 1-6 record without Curry from March 20-30, then finished the season on a five-game winning streak to secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

Curry finished the regular season with averages of 25.5 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds over 64 games.

• Series Preview: Warriors vs. Nuggets

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