Warriors' Curry returns vs Nuggets; Rush, McAdoo out

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OAKLAND –- The banged-up Warriors returned to action Saturday with two completely new injuries in addition to those already ravaging the roster.

Forwards Brandon Rush and James Michael McAdoo, both of whom played in a 114-110 win at Houston on Thursday, were declared out Saturday two hours before tipoff against the Nuggets at Oracle Arena.

Though neither was listed on the injury report released Saturday afternoon, Rush is unavailable with a tight hamstring, while McAdoo has a sore toe. They joined guard Leandro Barbosa (left shoulder sprain) and forward Harrison Barnes (left ankle sprain) on the sideline.

Stephen Curry was listed as probable, though a final decision was not made as of 6:10 p.m. Interim coach Luke Walton, however, did say the coaching staff put in a game plan that included Curry.

**UPDATE (7:14 p.m. PT)**

The Warriors on Saturday night won’t have to create ways to compensate for the absence of Stephen Curry. He’s back.

The reigning MVP, who missed the last two games with a bruise on his lower left leg, went through his typical pregame routine early Saturday evening, felt no ill effects and will start against the Nuggets at Oracle Arena.

Curry said earlier Saturday that he felt he could have played on Thursday at Houston but was declared out by the team’s training staff. That gave the point guard two extra days to heal, and he passed every test needed to gain clearance.

The Warriors split two games in Curry’s absence, losing at Dallas on Wednesday before winning at Houston.

Even with Curry’s return, the Warriors remain short-handed. Reserve guard Leandro Barbosa remains out with a left shoulder sprain, starting forward Harrison Barnes is out with a left ankle sprain and backup center Festus Ezeli is out with a sore left big toe.

Late additions to the injury list on Saturday were forward/guard Brandon Rush, with tightness in his right hamstring, and reserve forward James Michael McAdoo with a sprained toe on his left foot.

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