With a comfortable 3-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in their first-round series, the Golden State Warriors are proving that they're still a pretty good team without Stephen Curry.

The two-time MVP is currently out with an MCL sprain but his teammates don't appear to be missing him too much as they're on the verge of completing a sweep over the Spurs with a commanding 3-0 lead.

But regardless of how good they look without their superstar in the lineup, there's no doubt that the Warriors will find it harder to win the championship without his services.

Therefore, they'll be happy to know that his return to the lineup is getting closer.

In the team's latest update on Curry, they stated that he's been cleared to begin participating in "modified practice sessions" with the team this weekend.

He will then be re-evaluated in one week with a view to making a comeback in the Western Conference second round against either the New Orleans Pelicans or Portland Trail Blazers.

The defending champions have opted to take a slow and cautious approach with the point guard's recovery and are looking to ease him back in by gradually increasing his on-court work.

But being able to get on the court to take part in practice with his teammates is the most significant step he's made since suffering the injury innocuously last month when JaVale McGee collided with him.

At what point in the second round Curry will return is unclear but he seems to be on target.

Per ESPN's Chris Haynes, Warriors officials are taking a precautionary approach. They will hold Curry out as long as possible to ensure that he's closer to 100 percent upon re-entering the lineup.

The three-point marksman is crucial to their hopes of reaching the finals for a fourth consecutive year and are not prepared to take any chances as he suffered the same injury in the playoffs two years ago and didn't look healthy when he returned.

With a potential blockbuster showdown with the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Finals, the Dubs know they'll need a healthy Curry to go up against the number one seeded team.

With Kevin Durant leading the charge and Klay Thompson playing incredibly well to begin the postseason, the Oakland-based outfit can afford to take their time bringing the five-time All-Star back.

When he does return, the champions are likely to get back to playing their best basketball and that should be a worry for their rivals in the west.

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