Curry returns vs. Nuggets; Ezeli, Barnes, Rush out

Stephen Curry returned from a two-game absence Saturday as the Golden State Warriors hosted the Denver Nuggets.

Meanwhile, center Festus Ezeli, small forward Harrison Barnes, and guards Brandon Rush and Leandro Barbosa are all out.

After being called the healthiest team of all time, the Warriors' injury report is suddenly extensive these days, although the return of Curry is paramount for the defending champs as they open 2016 at home.

His bruised left leg cost him consecutive games for the first time since November 2013, and in Wednesday's case against the Dallas Mavericks, the result was the Warriors' second loss of the season.

Ezeli, meanwhile, is battling a toe injury that's also kept him out of two games. His current ailment aside, the 26-year-old is enjoying his best season yet, averaging career highs in points (8.5), rebounds (6.4), and blocks (1.3) in 19.5 minutes per game.

Barnes remains out with a severe ankle sprain, but is reportedly nearing a return. Rush will sit with hamstring tightness, while Barbosa continues to deal with a shoulder issue.

With Rush - filling in for Barnes - out, Andre Iguodala drew his first start since last June's NBA Finals.