Stephen Curry Returning Against Pistons, Says Raptors 'Best Team In The East'

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will finally be making his return to action, but it won't be against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

Following a groin injury from earlier in November, Curry took part in a successful scrimmage Monday and later underwent practice Tuesday. Head coach Steve Kerr also revealed at the time there was a possibility the 30-year-old could return against the Raptors. However, Kerr confirmed to reporters Wednesday that Curry's return would instead take place Saturday when the Warriors visit the Detroit Pistons, citing caution as the main reason.

"Steph is not going to play tomorrow," Kerr said. "He wants to play, he's ready to play and we're just going to be extra cautious. You know, [trainer] Rick [Celebrini] felt very strongly based on his years of experience doing this stuff. It makes sense to be extra careful."

"He will play in Detroit. He was dying to play, he loves playing in Toronto. [But] we rely heavily on Rick. Rick is really good at his job and he thinks it makes a lot of sense to wait and give him two more days to be extra cautious and that's what we're going to do."

It makes sense for the Warriors to be cautious, especially given Curry's injury history and their current form ever since he got injured against the Milwaukee Bucks. Curry though, said he felt physically ready to play Monday, but understood why he was held back for another two days.

"Obviously we have a lot of smart people that are trying to take care of us and make sure we're protected from ourselves in certain situations," Curry explained. "Obviously it's been three weeks and I'm itching to get back. Obviously excited that the end is near. Love coming to Toronto so this is a little disappointing."

"It's just a matter of their assessment and understanding the process of getting back to 100 percent. Making sure when you step back on the floor, that's the only thing that you're worried about and not playing that back-and-forth game."

While it is good news the point guard would be back over the weekend, many NBA fans particularly wanted to see him in action Thursday. The Raptors currently lead the Eastern Conference with a 18-4 record and are viewed by many as potential NBA finalists this season. In essence, the game could be a preview of the NBA Finals next summer, and that was one of the big reasons why Curry was disappointed not to be playing them.

"It was a big part of it," Curry added, speaking about why he wanted to play Thursday. "No better test than the best team in the East right now. It's November, a lot of time left for things to wrap up for the playoffs and seeing how things shape up. They're a talented team obviously, they've proven that early this year. Obviously with new additions in Kawhi [Leonard] and Danny Green. So obviously I'll be watching."

Meanwhile, Draymond Green (toe sprain) and Alfonzo McKinnie (sore foot) did not practice Wednesday and will miss the game against Toronto as well. Kerr added that Green, who has missed nine of the last 11 games, was unlikely to play against Detroit as well.