The Golden State Warriors have more positive news in the wake of their first regular season victory over the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Friday night.
Veteran forward Draymond Green has confirmed he’ll make his season debut against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, having recovered from an ankle injury sustained prior to training camp last month.
The Golden State Warriors will be strengthened by Draymond Green’s return ahead of their first back-to-back of the season.
The former Defensive Player of the Year confirmed to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater that he’ll “for sure” play against the Rockets, but isn’t sure what sort of minute limit he’ll be on or whether he’ll start.
Green’s return will reignite the Warriors starting lineup question, with 38-year-old veteran point-guard Chris Paul having started his first two games with the franchise. Once Green enters the starting lineup, it’s expected Paul or Kevon Looney will move back to the bench.
Green’s reintroduction will undoubtedly cause some headaches for head coach Steve Kerr, with many of his bench unit having impressed and put their foot forward for more minutes in the rotation rather than less.
That includes third-year duo Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, both of whom have stepped up in Green’s absence. The pair combined for 22 points, eight rebounds and three steals in just over 47 minutes against the Kings.
The pressure could continue to fall on 2022 All-Star Andrew Wiggins, having been overlooked in favor of Kuminga at times during the first two games. The Canadian played just under 27 minutes in the win over the Kings, finishing with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists on 5-13 shooting.
The Warriors matchup with the Rockets will be the first night of a back-to-back, with the team to travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Monday.