Warriors at Suns
The Golden State Warriors are waiting on the upcoming return of Stephen Curry as they keep absorbing lumps to their sagging record. The Warriors aim to halt an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.
Curry hasn't yet been formally cleared but there is heavy speculation he will return from a broken hand Sunday against the Washington Wizards and the team badly needs to see him on the floor. "We need to win a game," Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters after Thursday's 116-86 home loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. "We need to win a game once in a while to feel better about things. Right now we're in a bad stretch. It's tough." The Suns have lost back-to-back games and 12 of their last 18 as they head toward missing the playoffs for the 10th straight season. All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker scored 26 points in Friday's 113-111 home loss to the Detroit Pistons but didn't get a 3-point attempt from the left corner off before time expired and it missed anyway.
TIME: 9 p.m. ET. TV: Prime Ticket, FS Arizona
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (12-47): Curry played the first four games of the season before suffering the injury against the Suns on Oct. 30 and Golden State has been unable to be competitive without the two-time NBA MVP as well as All-Star shooting guard Klay Thompson (knee). The Warriors have used 29 different starting lineups and have shuttled players back and forth from their G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, Calif., en route to possessing the worst record in the NBA. Forward Eric Paschall is one player who has taken advantage of the opportunity to play extended minutes and had 23 points against the Lakers to increase his season average to 13.4.
ABOUT THE SUNS (24-36): Small forward Kelly Oubre Jr. missed his second straight game Friday amid reports that he has a torn meniscus in his right knee. Phoenix coach Monty Williams declined to confirm that diagnosis while Oubre is seeking a second opinion on an injury that may be season-ending. "Unfortunately, Kelly most likely won't be with us for a while," Williams said of a player who averaged 18.7 points in 56 games. "We're fine. We've dealt with it before, with guys being out. Our guys are continuing to grow and play with a great level of intensity."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Suns have won three of the past four meetings after losing the previous 18 matchups.
2. Phoenix C Deandre Ayton recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds against Detroit for his eighth double-double in the past 10 games.
3. Golden State G Ky Bowman (ankle) was injured Thursday and is expected to miss several games.