Draymond Green, forward for the Golden State Warriors, is expected to miss Tuesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets due to soreness in his left calf, according to head coach Steve Kerr. After missing practice on Monday, Green was officially listed as questionable, but Kerr indicated that his likelihood of playing was low as the Warriors aim to break a four-game losing streak against reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
Kerr described Green’s availability as “doubtful,” emphasizing the need for careful management of his health. Green has been a consistent contributor for Golden State this season, participating in all 19 games thus far and averaging 8.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, while boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 40.3% from beyond the arc. His role is critical as a facilitator in the Warriors’ offensive structure and as a defensive anchor.
In addition to Green’s situation, Stephen Curry is dealing with tendinitis in both knees. He had previously missed three games this season due to an ankle injury and was held out of a recent game against Oklahoma City. Although Curry returned for a game against Phoenix, he expressed that he was not overly concerned about his knee issues, acknowledging the potential for them to become a chronic problem.
Kerr noted the importance of managing the playing time of both Green and Curry as they navigate their respective injuries. He stated that the team must take a proactive approach to ensure their health, hinting that resting players could become a part of the strategy moving forward.
If Green is unable to participate, the Warriors could rely on Kevon Looney, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Kyle Anderson to step up against Jokic.
As the season progresses, the Warriors’ careful approach to managing their star players’ health shows a commitment to long-term success, which is crucial for their championship aspirations. This strategy, while perhaps not immediately favorable in terms of wins, reflects a deeper understanding of the physical toll that a long NBA season can take on veteran players.
The Warriors and their fans can remain hopeful that this cautious strategy will ensure both Green and Curry are in peak form come playoff time.