Warriors Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Stephen Curry's Potential Return

The Golden State Warriors have been without the services of Stephen Curry since March 8, when a sprained ankle sidelined the two-time MVP.

Curry is now eyeing a return against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, per ESPN's Chris Haynes and Ramona Shelburne.

That's welcome news for the NBA champions, who have gone 2-4 without Curry.

Golden State is also dealing with injuries to Kevin Durant (ribs), Klay Thompson (thumb) and Draymond Green (midsection contusion, via Sports Illustrated's Dan Gartland).

The Warriors enter play Wednesday at 53-18, 3.5 games behind the Houston Rockets for the top seed in the Western Conference.

Without the services of Curry, Durant, Thompson and Green, they scored just 75 points against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. That was their lowest output under coach Steve Kerr, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Curry's return won't automatically vault them back into the mix for the West's top seed, but it's a positive development to be sure.

Before his latest injury, Curry was averaging 26.3 points, 6.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 42.4 percent from beyond the arc.

The Warriors' hopes of a repeat hinge on the return of Durant, Thompson and Green as well. But a healthy Curry is undeniably key to their title defense.