As the Golden State Warriors prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center, there is growing optimism surrounding the health of the team, particularly with the potential return of Draymond Green. The star forward will be sidelined for his third straight game due to a right midfoot sprain, which he sustained during a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on December 4. However, head coach Steve Kerr hinted at a possible return for Green during the Warriors’ upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Kerr shared insight into Green’s situation, stating, “He should be in Portland. Whether he plays or not, we’ll see. It will have been about 10 days between games. He’s been working, he’s been training. The injury has healed. So, he’s ready to go. It’s just a question of whether [director of sports medicine and performance] Rick [Celebrini] feels comfortable putting him out there. So, he’ll meet us in Portland and we’ll assess him there.”
While Green is making progress physically, he has missed practice and the game against the Timberwolves due to personal reasons. His absence has been felt on the court, but the team managed to secure victories in the games he missed against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls.
During Green’s absence, veteran sharpshooter Steph Curry, who has been recovering from a quad contusion, is set to make his return to the lineup on Friday. Curry has been a key player for the Warriors, and his comeback will certainly bolster the team as they look to continue their winning momentum.
In addition to Curry’s return, the Warriors could see a nearly complete roster if Green is cleared to play in Portland. Only veteran center Al Horford remains on the injury report with a right sciatic nerve issue.
For the season, Green has averaged 8.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists over 20 games, underscoring his valuable contribution to the team. Coach Kerr expressed hope that he might soon have a fully healthy squad at his disposal, which would greatly enhance the team’s chances as the season progresses. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on Green’s status, especially with his significant role in the Warriors’ success.
