Sometimes basketball isn’t about X’s and O’s. It’s about resilience, it’s about having to pivot. That’s something the Golden State Warriors will have on their mind as they gear up to host the Minnesota Timberwolves for a massive Game 3. The series started with an impressive Warriors win, but they lost arguably their best player in the process: Stephen Curry. As concerned as the fans are right now, the Dubs star is facing a stark warning from a family member—one he may not be able to ignore.

Post injury, Curry’s MRI results revealed a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, which puts a lot of doubt on his immediate availability in the series. This has been a massive blow for the Warriors, something which became even more evident after Game 2. The Timberwolves dominated the Warriors 117-93. Anthony Edwards and Co. did not just win; they redefined what physicality looks like in the league. Julius Randle scored 24 points, meanwhile Anthony Edwards managed to chip in 20 points despite playing through an ankle tweak. With the series now heading to San Francisco, the Warriors need to answer a lot of questions.

One of them is when Curry could return? Well, initially it was reported that the Warriors’ sharpshooter could return in a week, but now there seems to be a huge question mark over it. If we assume that Stephen Curry does return in a week, it will set his return to be around Game 6. However, Curry’s family member, Austin Rivers, thinks he might not wait that long. Indeed, without Curry’s gravitational pull, the Warriors do seem a bit lackluster. However, Rivers also pointed out from his past experience that hamstring injuries could be tricky. So, he should be careful, no matter how tempting a speedy return might seem.

“Hamstrings are tricky, and I’ll tell you why. Because you’ll start to feel good, to where you’re like I feel fine. You’ll do a full workout and be like, I’m good. One move, you’re like, ah! And if you pull it again, it’s way worse the second time, to the point where if you tear it, you’re f—ed, and you’re not out for the playoffs. You’re out for the f—ing summer. Steph ain’t 26. He ain’t some young spring chicken out here running around like he was back-to-back MVP Steph. Steph’s 35, 36, whatever he is, 37-plus years old now. So, we’ve got to take that into account, too.” Rivers stated on his podcast, ‘Off Guard with Austin Rivers‘.

According to Rivers, hamstring injuries are tricky because one could feel great only for them to pull it for the second time. He pointed out that the second time is what could make things go from bad to worse pretty quickly. That’s because it would not only mean the end of Stephen Curry‘s playoff run, but it could also cause him to miss the entire offseason as well. Moreover, this is where the medical staff, coaches, and Curry have to be extremely cautious because the Warriors guard is now in the twilight of his career. So, one poor decision could result in a career-threatening injury. It will be interesting to see how the Warriors approach this situation as they face a huge challenge against the Timberwolves. Meanwhile, Steve Kerr is adjusting to life without Stephen Curry’s presence.

Steve Kerr’s plans massive playoff changes amid Stephen Curry’s injury

With Stephen Curry no longer available for the Golden State Warriors, Steve Kerr will have to make a pivot. The Warriors’ point guard has been the team’s best player yet again this season. The 37-year-old has carried his All-Star form into the postseason as he’s averaging 22.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. So, not having him will be bad news for the Dubs fans. However, this is where the likes of Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and the rest of the Golden State players will have to step up big time because they cannot afford to fall into a deficit in Curry’s absence.

While the Warriors went with a lineup consisting of Green, Butler, Post, Hield, and Podziemski. According to the hosts of the Warriors Plus Minus podcast, Kerr might be making some changes after the loss. “I don’t think they’ll start that way. I just think he’s coming in. TJD, probably, yeah. And they’re going to be crazy. Like, suddenly, Trey’s going to be like a lovely starter. Automatic. They’re going to put him right in there. In fact, Spencer’s still going to play. I just think that Kuminga is… And it’s not necessarily in for Jimmy, which is what you would think it would be. I think it’s going to be in for TJD. And then they go small, and they see what Kuminga can do with the A group.” They said.

The hosts think that Trayce Jackson-Davis might be given an opportunity. Well, it won’t be a huge surprise after the 25-year-old put in a solid performance in Game 2 despite the loss. He scored 15 points in just 19 minutes of action, along with six rebounds. On the other hand, Jonathan Kuminga has also emerged as a good option to rotate. Without Curry, Steve Kerr will need more scoring options, and while one player might not provide it, rotation will be key as the Warriors gear up for a huge game at the Chase Center in San Francisco.