The Golden State Warriors will not have Draymond Green available to play in Wednesday night’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. While Green had been listed as questionable earlier in the day, the team later announced that the four-time All-Star was downgraded. So, the Dubs will face the Grizzlies without Green, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, De’Anthony Melton, Kristaps Porzingis, or Seth Curry available for head coach Steve Kerr. Green has appeared in 48 games this season and is averaging 8.5 points,
5.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 41.0%/32.0%/70.7% shooting.
The Dubs should still have a fighting chance for victory despite the absences since they are facing a tanking Grizzlies squad that is arguably missing just as sizable a portion of its rotation. The Grizzlies injury report listed Ja Morant, Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, Cedric Coward, Brandon Clarke, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as out. Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson is also listed as questionable.
Despite Green’s pedigree, the Warriors have often looked far more fluid offensively with him on the sidelines this season. Green’s already limited offensive game has been even more diminished in his mid-30s and has empowered opposing defenses to focus attention elsewhere. With Draymond out, the Warriors will primarily rely on Al Horford and Quinten Post at the center position, two legitimate three-point shooting threats.
