The Golden State Warriors’ quest to snap a frustrating four-game losing streak has hit another roadblock, with defensive linchpin Draymond Green doubtful to suit up against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night due to a sore left calf.
According to head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors are erring on the side of caution with the veteran forward, who did not participate in Monday’s practice session in Denver. “I would call it doubtful,” Kerr said of Green’s status for the crucial clash with the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. “We got to be careful. We will see how he holds up.”
Warriors Prioritizing Health of Veteran Stars
The Warriors’ measured approach to managing the workload of their veteran stars, Green and Stephen Curry, has become increasingly evident as the season progresses. Green, the heart and soul of Golden State’s suffocating defense, has appeared in all 19 of the team’s games thus far, averaging 8.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while shooting a career-best 40.3% from beyond the arc.
Curry, meanwhile, has already missed three games this season due to an ankle injury and is currently battling tendinitis in both knees. The two-time MVP was held out of last week’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder before returning for Saturday’s defeat against the Phoenix Suns.
“This is what it’s going to be for our team at this point, and Draymond and Steph’s respective careers. So we’ve got to try to keep their minutes down as best we can. We’ve got to try to keep them healthy by being proactive.”
– Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on managing the health of his veteran stars
Next Men Up: Looney, Jackson-Davis, Anderson
Should Green be unable to take the court against the Nuggets, Kerr identified Kevon Looney, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Kyle Anderson as potential candidates to shoulder the daunting task of defending Jokic in this pivotal NBA Cup matchup.
Looney, a steadying presence in the paint, has been a reliable contributor for the Warriors this season, while rookie forward Jackson-Davis has shown flashes of promise in limited action. Anderson, a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions, could also see an uptick in minutes if Green is sidelined.
Mounting Injury Concerns as Warriors Aim to Right the Ship
The uncertainty surrounding Green’s availability compounds the Warriors’ injury woes, as they attempt to navigate a treacherous stretch of their schedule without several key contributors. With the team currently mired in a disappointing four-game losing streak, the absence of Green’s leadership, playmaking, and defensive prowess could prove costly against a formidable Nuggets squad.
As the Warriors continue to prioritize the long-term health of their veteran core, the onus falls on the team’s supporting cast to step up and fill the void. The likes of Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga will be called upon to shoulder a greater offensive burden, while the team’s collective defensive effort must rise to the occasion in order to contain the Nuggets’ potent attack.
With the Western Conference playoff picture growing increasingly competitive, the Warriors can ill afford an extended slide. As they navigate this latest injury setback, the team’s resilience, depth, and ability to adapt will be put to the ultimate test.
