Draymond Green ruled out against Kings
Draymond Green has been ruled out for the Friday, October 27 contest against the Sacramento Kings. Steve Kerr confirmed the veteran forward’s absence during an October 25 appearance on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” show. Green has been nursing an ankle injury that kept him out of the Warriors’ preseason schedule and from opening night.
Kerr could stick with the starting lineup we saw against the Los Angeles Lakers, where Chris Paul and Steph Curry shared the back-court in a small-ball lineup. The Kings don’t possess the same amount of size as the Lakers and will likely look to push the pace. As such, going small could work as the ideal counter.
Golden State and the Kings endured a slobber knocker first-round playoff series last season, with the Warriors grinding out a game-seven victory on the back of big-time performances from Curry and Kevon Looney.
Nevertheless, Green’s absence will be sorely felt, especially on the defensive end. After all, the veteran forward is among the most talented defenders in the NBA and consistently organizes Golden State’s roster on that side of the court. Still, Kerr is playing things safe by ensuring Green is completely ready to go before putting him on the court.
Green signed a four-year $100 million deal with the Warriors this summer. Ensuring he’s available later in the season when his impact is greatly needed, is more important than the opening games of an 82-game season.
