Warriors’ Draymond Green Sidelined with Calf Strain, Team Faces Depth Challenge

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors will be without Draymond Green for at least a week due to a mild calf strain, the team announced Monday. Green underwent an MRI on Sunday, and the team confirmed he will be reevaluated in one week.

Green exited just three minutes into Saturday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. The injury comes after he recently returned from a three-game absence caused by illness and a back issue. “He’s such a unique player,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said before Monday’s game. “He’s one of the best playmaking bigs in the league playing with Steph Curry. When he goes out, we become more traditional, spread the floor, put shooters out there.”

Kerr emphasized Green’s importance to the team’s dynamic, particularly his chemistry with Curry. “Steph and Dray have such a connection that when they’re together out there, they’re playing their game and we’re playing our game. As soon as Draymond leaves the floor, it becomes a different game.”

Green’s absence adds to the Warriors’ growing injury concerns. The team will also be without Klay Thompson, who injured his right ankle on Jan. 4 and is expected to miss at least three weeks. Additionally, James Wiseman has been sidelined since Dec. 28 with an abdominal injury, and Andre Iguodala is out with a glute injury.

The Warriors face a challenging schedule this week, with games against the Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, and Dallas Mavericks. Green’s absence will test the team’s depth and adaptability as they navigate a critical stretch of the season.