The minor injury bug continues to attack the Golden State Warriors. Shaun Livingston has missed seven games this year, and Andre Iguodala has missed two. Both Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have left games due to injuries.
And now, Green will be missing a game as well. Warriors coach Steve Kerr announced that the toe sprain Green suffered during Monday night’s victory against the Memphis Grizzlies will keep him out of Thursday’s contest against the Milwaukee Bucks. Thankfully, the injury is not considered serious, and is not a long-term concern for the team.
Draymond Green is out with a right toe sprain. Shaun Livingston will be out tomorrow. Andre Iguodala will play. Steve Kerr said he has “no concern long term.”
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 7, 2018
In addition to Green’s injury, Livingston will miss his eighth game. Add in DeMarcus Cousins still being out, and Jacob Evans III headed to the G League, and the Warriors will only have 10 of their roster spots available for the game. In other words, it seems likely that one or both of Damion Lee and Marcus Derrickson - the team’s two-way contracts - will be suiting up against the dangerous Bucks.
Steve Kerr would not say who would start in Green’s place, though it’s worth noting that Jordan Bell entered the starting group on Monday when Green didn’t come out to start the second half.
Steve Kerr wouldn’t say who’s starting in Draymond Green’s place. Could be Jordan Bell, Jonas Jerebko, Alfonzo McKinnie, whom Kerr says can play at the 4
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 7, 2018
However, that game was against the Grizzlies, who start Jaren Jackson Jr. at the power forward position. The Bucks start Giannis Antetokounmpo, who offers a completely different physical profile. If they go for a second big, it would seem likely to be Kevon Looney, though sliding Kevin Durant to the 4 would make a lot of sense as well.
Unfortunately, we’ll all be deprived of the great joy of watching Green - arguably the best defensive player in the world - match up against Antetokounmpo, an MVP candidate and incredibly difficult puzzle to solve.
But the season is early, and Green’s health is much more important than a single game or a fun match up. Hopefully he’s fully healthy soon.