Warriors' Draymond Green could return from suspension in Memphis Grizzlies' MLK Day game
The Golden State Warriors could have a familiar face back for Monday's game against the Grizzlies in Memphis.
Draymond Green is expected to return from his NBA suspension and play in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day game (5 p.m., TNT) at FedExForum, according to multiple reports, including from The Athletic's Shams Charania. Green is not listed on the Warriors' injury report for the game.
Green was suspended indefinitely following an in-game incident Dec. 12 in which he struck Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic. He ultimately was suspended for 13 games and has missed three more as he prepared to return.
"He's been working out every day and I talked to him this morning," Kerr told reporters on Saturday. "He said he's coming around and feeling good, so there's a chance he could play in Memphis or in Utah."
The NBA announced on Jan. 6 that Green was reinstated.
"Green completed steps that demonstrated his commitment to conforming his conduct to standards expected of NBA players," the statement read. "He has engaged in meetings with a counselor and has met jointly on multiple occasions with representatives of the NBA, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association, both of which will continue throughout the season."
While Green's return will be a big lift for the Warriors, the Grizzlies are still struggling with an ongoing injury crisis that has effectively derailed their season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama were both listed as questionable for Monday's game with knee contusions, and seven players — Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, Steven Adams, Jake LaRavia, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose — are listed as out. Morant and Adams already have been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Grizzlies (14-25) have lost two in a row. The Warriors (18-21) have lost three of their past four games and are in 12th place in the Western Conference, just one spot ahead of the Grizzlies.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Warriors' Draymond Green set to return from suspension vs Grizzlies
