Stephen Curry playing vs. Hornets, despite missing shootaround

ByETHAN SHERWOOD STRAUSS
January 4, 2016, 11:48 PM

— -- OAKLAND, Calif. -- Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is playing Monday night against the Charlotte Hornets after aggravating a shin injury in Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets.

Curry had to leave in the second quarter against the Nuggets because of the left shin contusion that had sidelined him for the two previous games.

Curry did not practice with the team during Monday's shootaround. He also did not go through his usual morning shooting routine.

"He didn't do his [pregame] shootaround," interim Warriors coach Luke Walton said. "He wasn't involved in what we were doing for the shootaround. He was just watching to see the game plan."

Prior to Monday's game, Walton had said it was possible that Curry might miss the next two games.

"It's definitely a possibility he sits out these two games, but that's strictly going to go according to how his leg feels when he tests it," Walton said.

Within an hour, the team announced that Curry would play against Charlotte.

Curry was joined by teammate Harrison Barnes, who is playing for the first time since he sprained his ankle Nov. 27 against the Phoenix Suns.

The aggravation of Curry's shin contusion occurred when Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson made contact with Curry's leg.

"I got kicked," Curry said.