Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is expected to return Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets, according to the official NBA injury report. Green has been upgraded to “probable” after missing Monday’s win over the Utah Jazz with a right midfoot sprain.
The matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams since their heated seven-game playoff series last spring, and the first time Golden State will see Kevin Durant in a Rockets uniform after failing to land him at last season’s trade deadline.
Green Cleared After Scare vs. Portland
Green, 35, injured his foot in Friday’s 127–123 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers when center Donovan Clingan landed awkwardly on him while diving for a loose ball, as reported by ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Nick Friedell confirmed Green returned to practice, quoting head coach Steve Kerr, who said the veteran forward’s “foot is feeling better,” and he likes “the way his rehab is progressing.”
Warriors Desperately Need Green’s Defense
Green continues to be the Warriors’ defensive anchor in his 14th NBA season. He leads the team in assists at 5.8 per game, and owns the second-best cumulative plus-minus on the roster at +88, trailing only second-year center Quinten Post (+104).
Golden State has struggled on the glass and in pick-and-roll coverage without him, giving up an alarming 28–10 second-chance scoring deficit in the loss to Portland. Green’s return is essential against a Rockets team that has size, physicality, and Durant, a player who once defined a dynasty in Golden State.
Green Fires Back After Kenyon Martin’s Harsh Criticism
Green’s return comes amid a fiery off-court dispute. Former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin Sr. recently criticized his declining shooting percentage (38.8%) and labeled the Warriors star a “fake tough guy.”
Martin blasted Green on Gil’s Arena, claiming, “Draymond ain’t do nothing to somebody who’s going to do something back to him.”
Martin even named a list of 200 power forwards he claims were better than Green, including former Rockets Charles Barkley, Josh Smith, Juwan Howard and Nene.
Green responded on The Draymond Green Show, dismissing Martin’s legacy:
“One All-Star? If I stop playing today, my career was better — way more impactful… Your résumé has to be a little better to just keep taking shots.”
Green also pointed out the irony that both men share deep Michigan roots.
“You’d think someone from Saginaw would show more love,” Green said. “It’s disappointing to see the constant shots.”
Warriors-Rockets Rivalry Reignites With Durant Twist
This rivalry chapter feels personal. The Warriors eliminated the No. 2 Rockets last season; the Warriors tried and failed to reunite with Durant in February. Now, Durant returns as a rival—not a partner.
Green’s comeback arrives at the perfect time.
If Golden State wants to stop their former Finals MVP and stabilize a shaky season, no player matters more than Green.
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