Draymond Green was officially ruled out just before the highly anticipated game between the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors on Sunday due to back soreness. This news arrives on a day when Kristaps Porzingis was also sidelined due to an illness. Their absences add to a growing list of key players unavailable for the Warriors, including Stephen Curry, who is dealing with a knee issue, and Jimmy Butler, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
The injured players represent a significant financial commitment for the Warriors, as they make up some of the team’s highest-paid individuals. Their combined salaries for the 2025-26 season total around $170 million, underscoring the impact of their absence on the team’s performance. In contrast, the Nuggets will be missing Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson, and Jalen Pickett, but still boast strong players like Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, which could give them a considerable edge.
With the Warriors facing a roster crunch, Moses Moody, the highest-paid healthy player available at $11.6 million for the 2025-26 season, will be expected to shoulder a significant portion of the scoring responsibilities alongside Gui Santos. The team is down to just nine players, making the path forward quite challenging.
The starting lineup for the Warriors will consist of Pat Spencer at point guard, De’Anthony Melton at shooting guard, Moses Moody at small forward, Gui Santos at power forward, and Al Horford in the center position. They also have a reserve bench that includes Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard, and Quinten Post.
Given the circumstances, it seems unlikely that the undermanned Warriors can mount a successful challenge against a Nuggets team that recently showcased their dominance by defeating the Trail Blazers by a staggering 54 points. The odds are certainly stacked against Golden State, but this presents a unique opportunity for their role players to rise to the occasion and showcase their talent on a big stage.