SAN ANTONIO — Here is what we know for sure: it would certainly help Stephen Curry's cause if the next round starts for the Warriors on May 1.



The Warriors are no doubt hoping Portland makes a series of it against New Orleans or else the Western Conference semifinals could start on April 28, at the earliest. Yes, it could be that soon. Assuming the Warriors finish off the Spurs quickly, whether Curry is available for the start of the next round could come down to when it begins.



According to multiple sources, Curry is still not close to playing. Despite video of him doing work on the court, which has fans salivating about his return, he isn't in the final stages of his rehabilitation. He will be evaluated again on Friday. He is on schedule but not on pace to beat the announced timelines. The working parameters have been 4 to 6 weeks since JaVale McGee crashed into Curry's left knee.



This process has been gradual for Curry, underscoring how much more...