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Why is Draymond Green Not Playing Tonight?
Draymond Green is not playing tonight because he is out for personal reasons, not because of an injury or a new suspension. The latest reports say the Warriors listed him as out on the official NBA injury report with the simple tag of personal reasons. That means his recent foot issue is not the thing keeping him off the floor right now. So if you see his name on the out section for tonight, it is tied to that personal matter.
Earlier this month he had a right midfoot injury during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers and had to leave in the second quarter. After that he missed time and there was real concern about how serious it was because the Warriors already depend a lot on his defense and playmaking. Team updates then said the foot sprain improved and that the medical staff cleared him to return.
So the medical side is under control now, which is why the reason for his absence switched from injury related to personal.
Recent coverage around the team explains that Steve Kerr and the Warriors expect him back soon, possibly as early as the next matchup against the Trail Blazers if things go as planned. That suggests this is a short absence instead of a long stretch away from the team.
There is no clear public detail about what the personal situation is and the team has not shared anything specific, which is normal for this kind of tag. Usually when it is listed that way it means the team wants to respect the player’s privacy while still giving fans an official reason for the missed game.
His status still matters a lot for how the Warriors look on the court because he is central to their defense, their switching schemes and their half court offense. When he sits, the Warriors rely more on other bigs and forwards to handle screens, rebounds and help side defense.
Reports mention that players like Trayce Jackson Davis have stepped into larger roles when Green is not available, especially with rim protection and finishing around the basket. Lineups can change a bit depending on who the opponent is, but the basic idea is that they have to replace his energy, his passing from the high post and his communication on defense by committee.
Media pieces from the last couple of days also point out that this is a different situation from his past suspensions, including the indefinite ban he received in 2023 after the incident with Jusuf Nurkic and the later reinstatement in early 2024. Those were league discipline issues that kept him out until he completed required steps and met with officials.
Tonight is not about that, it is simply a game where he is unavailable for personal reasons while otherwise being healthy enough to play. So if you are just checking whether he is hurt again or in trouble with the league again, the answer for tonight is no, he is just out due to a private matter and is expected to be back soon once that is resolved.
Disclaimer:
Draymond Green's absence is due to personal reasons, as listed in the official NBA injury report. The Warriors have not disclosed further details, and his return is expected soon once the matter is resolved.
