The Golden State Warriors face the Atlanta Hawks on March 22, 2025, without their superstar guard Stephen Curry, who suffered a pelvic contusion during the third quarter of a recent game against the Toronto Raptors. Despite the MRI revealing no structural damage, the team announced that Curry will not participate in Saturday's contest and will be re-evaluated on March 24.
Curry, a two-time MVP and 11-time All-Star, was injured while attempting a contested layup during the March 20 game, resulting in a hard fall after colliding with Toronto’s Jonathan Mogbo. Although he left the court under his own power, he did not return, finishing the game with 17 points and 25 minutes of play.
The 37-year-old has been a standout this season, averaging 24.2 points per game on .447 shooting, alongside 6.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds over 32.2 minutes across 60 contests. His absence creates a significant void for the Warriors as they prepare for a challenging road trip, which begins in Atlanta.
Adding to the Warriors’ injury woes, fellow guard Gary Payton II is listed as questionable due to knee soreness after missing the Raptors game. Payton’s presence on the court, especially shooting at a team-high 46.9% from three-point range post-All-Star break, could be vital in countering the Hawks' formidable offensive threat, particularly that of Atlanta's star guard Trae Young.
Young has been in exceptional form, scoring at least 28 points in five of his last seven games and recording an impressive 12 assists in six of nine appearances. He will be supported by teammates, though the Hawks will miss Jalen Johnson, Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., and Kobe Bufkin due to injuries. Young and Caris LeVert are expected to play, as both have been designated as probable.
The Hawks are currently on a roll, having won six of their last nine games. They recently secured victories over the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers, contributing to their rise in the Eastern Conference standings, where they sit at seventh place with a 33-36 record. This turnaround comes as a significant boost for the Hawks, who aim to maintain momentum against the Warriors.
On the contrary, the Warriors look to improve their position in the Western Conference, where they currently hold the sixth seed with a record of 41-29. They have edged closer to the playoff pack, now only two games behind the Memphis Grizzlies and 2.5 games from the Los Angeles Lakers.
The upcoming clash between the Warriors and Hawks promises excitement, especially with the memory of their earlier encounter in the season, which the Warriors won 120-97. In that game, Andrew Wiggins highlighted his prowess with a game-high 27 points, and Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed significantly before his recent reduction in playing time. The context of that earlier victory shapes expectations as the teams prepare to meet again.
As the Warriors gear up to face the Hawks, the absence of Curry, alongside the uncertainty of Payton’s availability, presents a complex challenge. The team's adjustments in strategy and rotations will undoubtedly be crucial to their success in Atlanta, as they strive to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
