SAN FRANCISCO — Draymond Green, the forward for the Golden State Warriors, is set to be sidelined for a minimum of one week due to a strained left calf.
The team’s announcement on Monday revealed that an MRI scan confirmed the injury is a minor strain, and Green will undergo re-evaluation in a week’s time. The injury occurred during the first quarter of the Warriors’ recent victory against Washington on Saturday night.

In Green’s absence, Gary Payton II stepped into the starting lineup for the Warriors’ match against Boston on Monday.
Green’s importance to the team cannot be overstated; he serves as their primary defensive asset and an essential facilitator, working closely alongside star guard Stephen Curry. This season, he has been contributing an average of 8.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.

Warriors’ coach, Steve Kerr, addressed the impact of Green’s injury, stating that the team’s dynamics change significantly without him. “We do morph into a different team,” Kerr noted. “It’s almost just organic though. 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 Draymond leaves the floor, it becomes a different game. We don’t have to necessarily change our thinking; it more happens organically.”

Additionally, the Warriors are currently grappling with other injuries, as they are already without several key players, including forward Jonathan Kuminga (who is dealing with a right ankle sprain), guard Brandin Podziemski (suffering from a right abdominal issue), and forward Kyle Anderson (who has a left glute injury).
Kerr mentioned that both Anderson and Podziemski might have the chance to return to the court later this week, offering some hope for the team as they navigate through their injury struggles.