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Just two days after his return to an NBA game following a more than four-month-long absence, Stephen Curry will sit out the Warriors’ Saturday night contest with Philadelphia 76ers with an illness designation. Kevon Looney, with a hip injury, will also remain out. The full list of Warriors and 76ers absentees for Saturday’s game is lengthy.
Lots of injuries/illness on the first pregame report for Warriors-Sixers. Will check with Steve Kerr before tip-off for any updates. pic.twitter.com/gqjEDuA6JV
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) March 7, 2020
The Warriors provided status updates on both Curry and Looney on Saturday afternoon. With growing concerns about the spread of novel coronavirus (Covid-19), the team made clear that Curry came down with what you’d probably term the “normal” flu, and has no risk factors for coronavirus itself. Curry coughed a few times during his post shoot-around availability on Thursday, but there was no indication otherwise that he was ill. The following comes from the Warriors:
From Warriors Team Physician, Dr. Robert Nied:
This morning Stephen Curry was diagnosed with influenza A by a positive viral testing. We have identified his probable source contact who is not part of basketball operations. He has no specific risk factors for COVID-19. He has the seasonal flu. We have begun treatment for Stephen and instituted our team protocol for influenza exposure.
The team’s update on Looney, who has had nothing short of a nightmare season, stemming from a neuropathic condition, “which causes pain and numbness in the extremities that has a wide range of causes, including trauma” has not relented. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks, and it would not be surprising if he doesn’t return again this season. The following is also from the Warriors:
Warriors forward Kevon Looney, who has missed the last three (3) games with left hip soreness, will be re-evaluated again in three (3) weeks. He has been experiencing ongoing symptoms, so the decision was made to provide him additional time to give him the best chance for a full resolution.