SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors are facing a mounting injury crisis as they prepare to face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, with Draymond Green the latest addition to the team’s growing list of unavailable players. Green was ruled out shortly before tip-off due to back soreness, further depleting a roster already missing key contributors.
This news comes on the heels of earlier announcements that Kristaps Porzingis will sit out the game with an illness, joining Stephen Curry (knee) and Jimmy Butler (season-ending ACL tear) on the sidelines. The Warriors’ injury woes have dramatically altered their championship aspirations this season, and the team is now heavily reliant on players further down the depth chart.
The combined financial impact of the injuries to Curry, Butler, Porzingis, and Green is significant, totaling $170 million in salaries for the 2025-26 season, according to team payroll information. The situation presents a major challenge for coach Steve Kerr as he attempts to navigate a challenging schedule against a formidable opponent.
The Nuggets, meanwhile, will be without Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson, and Jalen Pickett, but are expected to have Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic available. This disparity in available talent means the Warriors will be relying heavily on Moses Moody, who at $11.6 million for the 2025-26 season, is currently the team’s highest-paid healthy player. Expect Moody and Gui Santos to shoulder a significant offensive burden.
Warriors Roster Thinning at a Critical Time
With only nine players available, the Warriors’ depth is severely tested. The starting lineup will consist of Pat Spencer, De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, Gui Santos, and Al Horford. The reserves include Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard, and Quinten Post. The team’s limited options make a competitive showing against the Nuggets, who recently defeated the Portland Trail Blazers by a staggering 54 points on Friday, a considerable challenge.
Kerr Addresses Green’s Role and Curry’s Absence
The timing of Green’s absence is particularly noteworthy given recent discussions about his evolving role in the absence of Curry. Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the difficulty of playing without Curry, emphasizing the long-standing rapport between the two stars. “The two-man game with those two guys have been our bread and butter, and when Steph goes out, it really changes everything in terms of how defenses guard us, and it impacts Draymond probably more than anybody,” Kerr said after Friday’s practice.
Kerr has indicated that Green’s minutes will likely be managed, and that the team may experiment with different closing lineups, potentially featuring Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis alongside Green when Curry returns. Green himself has reportedly accepted this adjusted role, demonstrating a willingness to adapt to the team’s needs.
Impact on Warriors’ Playoff Hopes
The Warriors’ current predicament casts a long shadow over their playoff hopes. The loss of Butler for the season due to an ACL injury, followed by Curry’s knee issue and now Green’s back soreness, has significantly hampered their ability to compete at a high level. The team’s performance in Curry’s absence has been underwhelming, with a 2-5 record since he left the game against Detroit in January.
The Nuggets game represents a crucial test for the Warriors, and a loss could further jeopardize their position in the Western Conference standings. The team will necessitate a collective effort from its remaining players to overcome the odds and secure a victory.
What to Watch For
Looking ahead, the Warriors will be closely monitoring Curry’s recovery and Porzingis’s health. Curry is expected to return sometime next month, but there is no firm timeline for his return. The team will also need to assess Green’s condition and determine when he will be able to return to the lineup. The Warriors’ ability to weather this storm and remain competitive will depend on their resilience and their ability to find solutions in the face of adversity.
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