The Golden State Warriors are already down one primary starter with David Lee out for the playoffs and Game 3 could be another tough game as Stephen Curry is a gametime decision for head coach Mark Jackson with an ankle injury and with the series tied 1-1 the first round shifts back to California.
Curry has been the primary scorer while setting the record for 3-pointers during the regular season and through two games he is the focal point of the offense. Curry scored 30 points and added 13 assists in the Game 2 victory after struggling in the first loss when he had just 19 points. The other guards have been solid, but the production of Curry has been carrying the Warriors all year. On Friday night if Curry sits out, Klay Thompson and Jarrett Jack will have to step up to bring a victory to the 33rd consecutive sellout crowd in the Bay Area.
The Nuggets have been one of the best teams in the NBA at home in the Pepsi Center, losing for only the fourth time there in Game 2, and they have won just 19 games on the road during the regular season, while the Warriors have done well in their own arena. Curry injured his ankle while trying to make a move on the court while changing directions in the third quarter and after the game it swelled up and could keep him from playing on Friday night. The team has been without David Lee and the size advantage plays into Denver with Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler and could keep the Warriors from winning their first playoff series since 2007. The Nuggets and Warriors played twice in California this season and split the games, while Curry is playing in his first playoff series as a professional and wants to lead his team to the victory. The Nuggets are one of the most balanced teams in the nation and the size advantage could be the difference, as Denver ranked third in the NBA in rebounding and seventh in scoring.