Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23)
Draymond Green turned in a strong performance on Wednesday as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 132-125. The former Defensive Player of the Year registered a near triple-double with 10 points (4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-4 from three-point territory), eight rebounds and 12 assists in just 28 minutes of action, as the Warriors improved to 18-16.
Golden State is back in action on Friday for its first game of the new calendar year. They get a tough test against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently have the best record in the NBA at 29-5.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green.
Green is in the midst of another strong campaign for the Warriors. Now in his 14th season with the team, the four-time All-Star has produced averages of 8.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 triples in 27.3 minutes per contest.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, they will need to try to secure a big win against OKC without Green’s services. This is after the team announced on Friday via the official injury report that Green has been ruled out against the Thunder for rest purposes.
The silver lining here is that Green does not seem to be dealing with a new injury. It’s also the first night of a back-to-back set for Golden State, which means that the 35-year-old will likely return to the lineup on Saturday against the Utah Jazz.
It is also worth noting, however, that the Warriors could be significantly shorthanded against the Thunder. Apart from Green, Steph Curry has also popped up on the injury report. The former back-to-back MVP is questionable to play with a left ankle sprain.
De’Anthony Melton (knee) is questionable to play, while Al Horford (sciatica) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (knee) are both probable. Seth Curry (sciatica) remains out.
The Warriors will host the Thunder on Friday, with tip-off from Chase Center scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.