Warriors NBA Championship Odds Fall to +650 With Steph Curry Out Indefinitely Due to Foot Sprain

• Steph Curry has been ruled out indefinitely with a foot sprain following a collision with Marcus Smart
• Curry is expected to return before the playoffs, but the Warriors’ title odds have slipped to +600
• Are the Dubs a good bet to win the 2022 NBA Finals? 

Steph Curry has been diagnosed with a left foot sprain after leaving during the first half of the Warriors’ game with the Celtics on Wednesday night. Marcus Smart dived for a loose ball and landed on the two-time MVP’s foot. X-rays showed no broken bones, but Curry is still out indefinitely.

The news of Curry’s injury has seen the Dubs slip from +450 in NBA Championship odds to +650.

2022 NBA Championship Odds

Odds as of Mar 17 at FanDuel Sportsbook

The Warriors were not impressed with Smart diving for the loose ball in such a manner. Steve Kerr even called the play ‘dangerous’, while Juan Toscano-Anderson said he didn’t think it was a dirty play but felt Smart ‘could’ve probably been a bit more cautious.’

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Curry’s Return Date

Shams Charania reported that Curry is out indefinitely. Jordan Schultz has claimed it is a three-week absence, while Bonta Hill said the Warriors are still waiting for MRI results to get a better idea of the severity of this injury.

Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne have reported that Curry should be back before for the postseason, though he is expected to see specialists soon for further evaluation. Some foot sprains can take as long as six weeks.

Steph Curry officially out for the game with what team is calling left foot soreness following this play pic.twitter.com/6edSJxQszv

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 17, 2022

The playoffs start on April 16th, exactly a month after Curry suffered this foot sprain. Being sidelined for three weeks would have Curry back in time for the playoffs, but give him minimal opportunity to get back up to speed for what will be a challenging first round series.

Golden State hasn’t been fully healthy at any point this season. Draymond Green, Curry and Klay Thompson have played five quarters together since the 2019 NBA Finals. James Wiseman is on his way back, but he’s yet to play an NBA game this season.

Impact of Curry’s Injury

Green is still on a minutes restriction. Thompson has been inconsistent. Andrew Wiggins is in a lengthy slump. The Warriors are only three up in the loss column on the Mavericks, who currently sit fifth in the Western Conference. After looking set to rival Phoenix for top spot, it’s not infeasible that Golden State ends up in the bottom half of the Western Conference playoffs.

Initial evaluation of Steph Curry's sprained ligament in his left foot offers optimism that he can return by the start of the playoffs in mid-April, but he's expected to see specialists soon for further evaluation, sources tell @ramonashelburne
and me.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 17, 2022

Ending up with the Mavericks or Jazz as first round opponents isn’t the worst outcome for the Warriors. Developing chemistry will be a greater concern as NBA bettors weigh up futures wagers here, though.

Given how much they’ve played together, do Green, Curry and Thompson need time together? The win over the Wizards would suggest otherwise. Taking Curry out until almost the start of the playoffs changes the entire balance of the team, however, and could lead to a lot of losing ahead of a challenging first round series.

Back the Warriors With +650 Title Odds?

There was already plenty of uncertainty around the Warriors. If healthy, there’s an argument that they should be favorites to come out the West, but that’s a big leap from where they are right now.

Steph Curry did not return to the game after an apparent injury on this play.

Steve Kerr seemed unhappy with Marcus Smart. pic.twitter.com/MyD0ppVQtY

— ESPN (@espn) March 17, 2022

Perhaps this functions as a rest and Curry can return full of energy in time for the playoffs. Chemistry isn’t much of a concern with their core trio. Alternatively, the Warriors could slump down the stretch with Thompson forced into a bigger offensive role (which he struggled in against the Celtics on Wednesday).

The +650 price is too short to be worth backing. They have NBA Finals upside, but the prospect of Curry returning and going straight into a playoff series would make the Dubs vulnerable to an upset. We haven’t seen enough from Thompson and Wiggins in recent weeks to believe the Warriors can win a series if Curry is anything less than 100%.