The Golden State Warriors are holding their breath as they await further updates on the injury statuses of their two franchise cornerstones – Draymond Green and Stephen Curry. Head coach Steve Kerr delivered some unwelcome news on Sunday, ruling out Green for Monday’s marquee matchup against the Boston Celtics due to a left calf strain. The All-Star forward limped off the court just minutes into Saturday’s game and did not return.
Green was slated to undergo an MRI on Sunday to determine the severity of the strain, with the Warriors expected to provide more details on Monday. Having just returned from a three-game absence due to illness and back tightness, this latest setback is an untimely blow for Green and a Warriors squad trying to build momentum in a tightly-contested Western Conference playoff race.
Curry Also Questionable with Ankle Sprain
Compounding the Warriors’ injury woes is the uncertain status of Stephen Curry, who is listed as questionable for Monday’s game due to a left ankle sprain suffered late in Saturday’s win over the Washington Wizards. The two-time MVP was in good spirits postgame, telling reporters “see you on Monday” when asked about the injury. However, ankle sprains can often tighten up overnight, leaving Curry’s availability very much in doubt.
Losing either Green or Curry for any length of time is difficult for Golden State to overcome, but being without both stars simultaneously would be a monumental challenge. The Warriors are already dealing with a rash of injuries to key rotation players like Jonathan Kuminga (ankle), JaMychal Green (infection), and James Wiseman (ankle).
It feels like we’re snake-bitten a little bit… It’s just tough because we were starting to find a little bit of a rhythm and now we’re going to have to readjust again.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson on the team’s injury issues
Poole, Wiggins Must Step Up vs Celtics
If Green and/or Curry are sidelined, the onus will fall on Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins to shoulder more of the offensive burden against a stout Celtics defense. Poole is averaging a career-high 21.3 points per game this season, while Wiggins continues to thrive as a two-way wing. Veterans like Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney will also be leaned on for their leadership and production.
Still, there’s no denying the massive impact of potentially losing Green and Curry for a high-stakes game against the Celtics. Green is the heart and soul of the Warriors, orchestrating their offense and anchoring their switch-heavy scheme on defense. Curry is a transcendent offensive talent capable of swinging any game with his shooting prowess. Without them, the Warriors become much more vulnerable, especially against elite opponents.
- Jordan Poole – 21.3 ppg, 4.5 apg, 34.8% 3-pt
- Andrew Wiggins – 18.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 50.8% FG
Celtics Look to Pounce on Short-Handed Warriors
For the Celtics, Monday presents a prime opportunity to secure a quality road win against the defending champions. Boston has had Golden State’s number in recent years, winning six of the last eight head-to-head matchups including a Finals rematch earlier this season. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, the Celtics have the star power and depth to give any opponent fits, let alone a potentially depleted Warriors squad.
Of course, counting out the Warriors is never wise, even amid injury adversity. This is a battle-tested group with a championship pedigree and a wealth of postseason experience. Role players have a way of rising to the occasion in Stephen Curry’s absence, as we saw in the 2022 playoffs when he missed time due to a foot injury. Steve Kerr is a master of making adjustments and putting his players in position to succeed.
You have to approach every game with the appropriate fear and appropriate respect, but the appropriate confidence to go out and try to get it done.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla on facing the Warriors
The Celtics won’t be feeling sorry for their short-handed opponent though. They have title aspirations of their own and will look to make a statement at Chase Center. With Robert Williams back in the fold alongside Al Horford, the Celtics have the size and versatility to exploit a Warriors frontcourt that may be without both Green and Wiseman.
Injury Questions Loom Large in Playoff Race
Bigger picture, the Warriors have to hope Green and Curry’s injuries are of the short-term variety. They currently sit at 21-20, good for 7th in the West but just 2.5 games out of 4th. Having their stars in and out of the lineup makes it difficult to build cohesion and momentum for the stretch run.
Every game matters in a playoff race this tight, so even a brief absence by Green or Curry could prove costly in terms of seeding implications. The Warriors have championship aspirations, but they need to get healthy first and foremost. The last thing they want is to limp into the postseason and get bounced early because their stars aren’t 100%.
Monday’s clash with the Celtics is just one game, but it carries extra weight given the uncertainty surrounding Draymond Green and Stephen Curry. Can Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson and the rest of the Warriors rise to the challenge against an elite opponent? Or will the Celtics take full advantage and hand Golden State a bitter home defeat? As always with these two proud franchises, the stakes are high and the intensity will be palpable from the opening tip. The Warriors hope to have at least one of their ailing stars in the lineup, but they’ll have to prepare for all scenarios as the grind of an NBA season marches on.
