Stephen Curry cleared to return against Pelicans

In this April 19, 2018, file photo, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) warms up before Game 3 of the team’s first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio. Curry was declared fit to return for the Warriors as the NBA champions prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans in game two of the playoff series on Tuesday. AP

LOS ANGELES, United States — Stephen Curry was declared fit to return for the Golden State Warriors as the NBA champions prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans in game two of the playoff series on Tuesday.

The Warriors confirmed in a statement that Curry was available to make his first appearance since spraining a knee ligament on March 23, near the end of the regular season.

Curry, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, had been expected to return after being described as “probable” by coach Steve Kerr on Monday.

“He’s feeling good. I’d be very surprised if he didn’t play,” Kerr told reporters.

Kerr said the Warriors’ emphatic victory over the Pelicans in game one of the series would not tempt him to delay Curry’s return or limit his minutes.

“Not at all. Because the flip side of that is he needs rhythm,” Kerr said.

“The only factor in terms of allowing him to play is his health. And he’s ready to go. So now it’s a question of rhythm and how much time we give him. He needs to get his rhythm back.”

The Warriors defeated San Antonio 4-1 in the best-of-seven opening round of the playoffs and demolished the Pelicans 123-101 on Saturday. /cbb