Draymond Green questionable for Warriors-Suns season opener, will miss last 2 preseason games

Golden State Warriors F Draymond Green won’t play in any of the Warriors’ five preseason games with ankle sprain

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Draymond Green will miss the Warriors’ final two preseason games and is questionable for the regular-season opener against the Phoenix Suns next Tuesday due to a left ankle sprain.

Green has not participated in any of the Warriors’ three preseason games or full-team practices and will be re-evaluated on Sunday, ruling him out of the Warriors’ games against the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs later this week. Green will not be cleared to play in the opener until he has completed a full scrimmage, according to head coach Steve Kerr. Green is expected to be able to scrimmage this week.

“We’re hoping that later this week it’s 3-on-3, and it translates to 5-on-5,” Kerr said in an interview. “We’ll play it by ear.”

Green, 33, sprained his ankle in a pick-up game days before training camp began on Oct. 2 when he collided with Jonathan Kuminga’s foot. He has not been seen with an ankle wrap or on crutches.

Kerr described the Warriors’ defense during their 3-0 preseason start as “bad,” but it’s difficult to judge completely with Green out of the picture.

“Draymond is, I think, the best defensive player in the league,” Kerr said in an interview. “If he’s not here, we won’t be as good.” But we must remain consistent and hit our key points.”

The Warriors committed 22 fouls against the Kings, 27 fouls against the Lakers in Los Angeles, and 20 fouls against the Lakers in their first preseason game last week.

“We’re not quite there yet,” Kerr admitted. “Through the first three games, we’re fouling jump shooters more than we did a year ago, which is one of the key points we’re trying to hit.” We didn’t foul as much in the Sacramento game, but we fouled a lot in the first two. We need to hit on those, rebound better, and take better care of the ball. Avoid fouling and put more pressure on the ball. But that’s what preseason is for, and we can see those mistakes and capitalize on them. It is up to the guys to take the next step and improve.”

Green completed a full individual workout at the Warriors’ preseason game against the Lakers in Los Angeles and has been doing light on-court workouts.

Guard Cory Joseph is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Kings due to a lower back strain. Joseph, 32, has yet to appear in any of the Warriors’ three preseason games, but he has been taking part in full-team practices since last week.

Forward Rodney McGruder, who has been in concussion protocol for the entire preseason, practiced on Tuesday but will not play in Wednesday’s game. It’s a setback for McGruder, who is competing for one of the team’s two open roster spots.