Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green will make his season debut on Sunday against the Houston Rockets, told reporters on Saturday.
A left ankle sprain kept Green, 33, out of the team’s first two games. The injury occurred during a pickup game at the Chase Center one week prior to training camp. The Warriors expected him to recover in four-to-six weeks and miss the preseason contests.
Despite missing all the preseason games, Green was cleared to return to practice on October 22. However, he only had two days to prepare for the regular-season opener against the Phoenix Suns, which he missed due to the lingering injury. The Warriors lost that game 108-104.
Green hopes to play in both games of the back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.
“I got goals,” Green said via ESPN. “Not exactly sure what they are yet, but I got to play in 65 games.”
This is likely a reference to the new rules introduced this season, requiring players to participate in 65 regular-season games to be eligible for postseason awards.
It’s unclear whether Green will start or come off the bench. Head coach Steve Kerr did not fully address questions about the lineup due to the addition of Chris Paul during the offseason.
“We basically have six starters the way I look at it,” Kerr said in September. “Only five can go each night.”
Green is an important member of the team’s veteran core. Last season, he averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and a steal.
After declining his $27.5 million player option, Green signed a four-year, $100 million contract with the Warriors in June.
This year, he aims to win his eighth NBA title.
Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.
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