The Golden State Warriors will be without one of their defensive anchors to close the regular season.
The Warriors officially ruled out Draymond Green for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers due to left low back injury management after initially listing him as questionable.
With Golden State already locked into the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, the decision reflects a clear focus on health ahead of next week’s Play-In Tournament.
Draymond Green Injury Leads to Late Scratch
The Draymond Green injury designation comes as part of a broader rest strategy for the Warriors.
Green, who has appeared in 68 games this season, has averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists while continuing to serve as the centerpiece of Golden State’s defensive system.
By holding him out of the finale, the Warriors are avoiding unnecessary risk before games that will ultimately determine their postseason fate.
Warriors Starting Lineup Adjustment Without Green
With Green unavailable, the Warriors are expected to adjust their starting lineup.
De’Anthony Melton could move back into the starting unit, providing perimeter defense and ball-handling support.
The absence of Green also shifts responsibilities across the roster, particularly in terms of playmaking and defensive communication.
Frontcourt Rotation Bolstered by Returns
GettyKristaps Porzingis of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls.
There was positive news for Golden State in the frontcourt.
Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are both off the injury report and available, giving the Warriors additional size and versatility.
Horford recently returned from a calf injury and logged 18 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings, finishing with 10 points while operating under a minutes restriction.
Porzingis, who had missed two games due to illness, also returned and contributed 11 points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes.
The Warriors are expected to continue managing both players’ workloads carefully, prioritizing readiness over heavy minutes in the finale.
Charles Bassey, Depth Players See Opportunity
The return of Horford and Porzingis could reduce opportunities for Charles Bassey, who had recently been on a strong run.
Bassey had posted consecutive double-doubles prior to Friday but finished with six points and four rebounds in a reduced role against Sacramento.
Even so, the finale presents another chance for the Warriors to evaluate depth options as they finalize their playoff rotation.
Play-In Implications Loom for Warriors, Clippers
While the Warriors’ position is set, Sunday’s game still carries implications.
Golden State is locked into the No. 10 seed and cannot move up, but the Clippers remain in play for the No. 8 spot, depending on other results.
The matchup could also serve as a preview of a potential Play-In Tournament meeting between the teams, adding another layer of intrigue despite the Warriors’ decision to rest key players.
Stephen Curry Expected to Play
GettyStephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot over Precious Achiuwa of the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Golden 1 Center on April 10, 2026 in Sacramento, California.
Unlike Green, Stephen Curry is expected to suit up.
Curry recently returned to action against Sacramento, logging 27 minutes with 11 points, five assists and three rebounds.
The veteran guard continues to be the focal point of Golden State’s offense, particularly as the team prepares for a win-or-go-home scenario in the Play-In Tournament.
Big Picture: Warriors Prioritize Health Ahead of Play-In
The decision to sit Green underscores the Warriors’ approach entering the postseason.
With seeding locked and no immediate gains available, Golden State is focusing on preserving its core players while maintaining rhythm.
The Draymond Green injury designation may keep him out of the finale, but the expectation is that he will be ready for the games that matter most.
For the Warriors, Sunday is less about results — and more about preparation.
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