Ever since Pat McCaw was taken out of Golden 1 Center on a stretcher last Saturday night, the Warriors have proceeded as if the second-year guard will be available in the playoffs.
That stance seems all the wiser now that McCaw, though not as badly injured as initially feared, will spend at least a month away from basketball all activities.
Though no timeline for his return has been established, the severity of his injuries makes it conceivable he could miss the postseason.
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After being examined Thursday by an orthopedic specialist, McCaw was diagnosed with a lumbosacral bone bruise and is certain to miss the first round of the playoffs. He is scheduled for re-evaluation sometime around May 1, the Warriors announced.
The first round of the playoff begin April 14-15, while the second round will begin no sooner than April 29 and no later than May 1. Conference Finals could begin as early as May 13.
McCaw was injured after being hit by Kings guard Vince Carter while airborne and landing hard on his back. After about 10 minutes, McCaw was strapped to a stretcher, his neck in a brace and arms folded across his chest, and wheeled to UC Davis Medical Center.
McCaw underwent X-rays, a CT span and an MRI test, all of which were negative. The evaluation Thursday confirmed that McCaw sustained no neurological damage.
Golden State Warriors
After spending Saturday night at UC Davis, McCaw returned to his Oakland home Sunday afternoon. His parents, Jeff and Teresa, arrived from St. Louis on Sunday and plan to remain with their son for at least a few more days.