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Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN writer
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been ruled out for Tuesday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets due to left calf soreness.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr rated Green as doubtful to play Monday.
The Warriors are taking a cautious approach with veteran stars Green and Stephen Curry. Green had played in each of Golden State’s previous 19 games and is averaging 8.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists and a career-best 40.3% shooting from beyond the arc. Green is a passing center in Golden State’s offense while also anchoring Kerr’s defense.
Curry missed three games earlier this season due to an ankle injury. The point guard is currently dealing with tendonitis in both knees and sat out a loss to Oklahoma City last week before returning and playing in a loss at Phoenix on Saturday.
Curry, listed as probable to play against Denver, said Saturday that he was not worried about the pain in his knees, even though he had not dealt with the issue before and noted that it could become a nagging injury.
Curry wasn’t sure if he might have to sit out games for maintenance.
“This is what it’s going to be like for our team right now, and for Draymond and Steph’s respective careers,” Kerr said. “So we have to try to maintain their minutes as best we can. We have to try to keep them healthy by being proactive.
“If they’re dealing with nagging injuries like Steph’s knees last week, like Draymond’s calf now, we have to handle it all safely.”
Kevon Looney, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kyle Anderson are candidates to defend against reigning MVP Nikola Jokic with Green out, according to Kerr.
The Warriors head into the NBA Cup game having already secured their group; The Nuggets have a slim chance of advancing as a wild card team with a win.
