The Golden State Warriors are hoping to halt a troubling skid when they visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday, with defensive stalwart Draymond Green expected to return to the lineup.
Green, who missed Wednesday’s 121-116 loss to the Sacramento Kings due to a right rib contusion, is listed as “probable” for the Denver matchup, giving the Warriors a boost as they navigate injuries and inconsistent play.
Stephen Curry Out Amid Flu Concerns
While Green is back, the Warriors will be without Stephen Curry for a second consecutive game. Curry continues to battle flu-like symptoms and will not travel with the team to Denver, coach Steve Kerr confirmed.
“Barring some unforeseen last-second change, he’s not going to be on the team flight to Denver,” Kerr said on 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs.
Curry first experienced symptoms following Tuesday’s win over the Phoenix Suns and described his energy as “on E” during the closing moments of that contest. Kerr remains in close communication with the two-time MVP.
“He texted back that things got worse overnight, but he’s resting today at home and hopeful that, within the next couple of days, he’ll be alright,” Kerr said.
Jimmy Butler Questionable, Warriors Hope for Stability
Alongside Green, Jimmy Butler III is listed as questionable, potentially providing another layer of stability for Golden State’s lineup. The Warriors struggled in Sacramento without their Big 3, despite strong performances from their young players.
Rookie Will Richard notched a career-high 30 points in his first start, while Moses Moody contributed 28 and Jonathan Kuminga added 24 points. Yet, the team committed 18 turnovers, seven in a pivotal third quarter, which allowed the Kings to seize momentum and ultimately claim the win.
“In the end, the story of the game was the turnovers,” Kerr said. “It’s 30-11 points off turnovers—a great lesson for our young guys.”
Kuminga echoed the concern, noting, “In the third quarter, we just started turning the ball over. That took the energy out of all of us. We just gotta find a way to execute certain plays.”
Kerr emphasized Butler’s value in controlling the pace.
“When I talk about Jimmy slowing down the pace, it’s really more about him taking care of the ball and not turning it over and getting to the foul line,” Kerr explained before the game. “He represents someone so solid, who gets fouled, gets open looks. Without him, the big focus is on taking care of the ball.”
Green’s Defensive Leadership Key Against Nikola Jokić
Green, a nine-time All-Defensive honoree, will pair with Al Horford to try to slow down three-time MVP Nikola Jokić in Denver.
The matchup presents an opportunity for Green to chase a milestone 10th All-Defensive selection, a feat achieved by only legendary players like Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Scottie Pippen.
“You see a list like that, and that immediately becomes your ‘why,’” Green told The Athletic. “It’s like, ‘Man, I need to give all that I [expletive] can to be on that thing.’ When you look at a list like that and you say, ‘Man, I can be on that list.’ …So that’s a huge, huge, huge goal of mine.”
Green’s return, coupled with potential contributions from Butler and the Warriors’ emerging young talent, could provide Golden State with a path to regain footing as they head into a critical road game against one of the Western Conference’s top teams.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Warriors Reveal Green’s Status Ahead of Jokić Clash appeared first on Heavy Sports.