SHOCKING: Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green OUT – What This Means for Your Favorite Team!

MIAMI — The Golden State Warriors will be without their star guard, Stephen Curry, for Wednesday night's matchup against the Miami Heat. Curry is grappling with a right ankle injury he has aggravated in two of his last three games. He joins a growing list of absentees that includes Jimmy Butler (lower back strain), Draymond Green (illness), Al Horford (second night of a back-to-back), and Jonathan Kuminga (knee tendinitis).

Warriors coach Steve Kerr provided an update before the game, stating that both Curry and Green are considered "day to day." Regarding Curry’s condition, Kerr expressed optimism, noting, “We’ll see how he goes. Once we’re back from the trip, we’ll see how he’s feeling, and the hope would be he would play Friday but we don’t know yet.”

The extensive injury list comes as the Warriors face a grueling schedule, marking their 17th game in 30 days across 13 different cities to start the season. Wednesday's game is part of the fifth back-to-back series the Warriors have already encountered this season. Kerr's frustration about the demanding schedule was evident when he reiterated his long-held belief that the NBA should eliminate back-to-backs altogether.

Kerr’s comments on Tuesday followed increasing concerns regarding the surge in soft tissue injuries throughout the league. “I think it’s a legitimate question that we should all be addressing,” he stated as he argued for a more player-friendly schedule. “We all have a stake in this league, we all want the same thing. We want the best possible product, we want to protect our players. So I think everything should be on the table in these conversations.”

While Kerr's sentiments resonated with many, Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Miami Heat and a former assistant on Kerr's staff with Team USA, disagrees that a shorter schedule is feasible. He admitted to understanding Kerr's perspective but emphasized the challenges of such a change. “It can’t be done the way it’s structured right now,” he remarked. Spoelstra added that the recent negotiations surrounding the new TV deal may have presented an opportunity to address the scheduling issue, but without a consensus for fewer games, he foresees no immediate solution.

Kerr also acknowledged the leadership of NBA commissioner Adam Silver and highlighted contributions from former Phoenix Suns executive James Jones in discussions about league policies. “Usually when I bring stuff like this up, it’s to stir the pot and make sure we’re paying attention,” Kerr explained. “But there’s no easy answer. I can’t sit here and claim to have one, but I do know that it has to be addressed.” He suggested considering extending the NBA calendar by a week to allow for more off days as a potential solution.

The Warriors' situation, highlighted by their injury challenges and the demanding schedule, raises important questions about player health and performance. As the season progresses, the league may need to reconsider the structure of its schedule to ensure the well-being of its athletes while maintaining the excitement and integrity of the game.