The Golden State Warriors will be without at least six key players on Saturday, four of which are in the league’s health and safety protocol, and to make matters worse, they’re going to be on the road.
This is their second straight Christmas Day game in which they will not be at home.
The Golden State Warriors are on the road for a second straight Christmas and that’s not sitting well with three-time All-Star forward Draymond Green.
To say the least, the lack of not being at home for a special holiday is getting to the team’s players and rightfully so. Draymond Green recently spoke out about missing his daughter’s first and second Christmas.
Here’s what he said on the matter per Mark Haynes.
Draymond Green on playing on the road consecutive years Christmas day:
— Mark Haynes (@markhaynesnba) December 24, 2021
"I want to spend some time at home with my kids too...If we're playing against the defending champion, you understand, but we're not...So now I miss my daughter's first Christmas, and I'll miss her second."
As for last season, the Warriors finished 39-33.
Due to Covid-19 pushing back the 2019-2020 season causing the memorable bubble, the 2020-2021 season started late, making the second game of the season for Golden State their Christmas Day matchup with the Bucks.
The Warriors lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in Milwaukee by 39. Draymond didn’t play in that matchup, but the Warriors as a team were still on the road.
Having been a top-tier team and one of the most famous in the association, the Warriors have typically played on Christmas, arguably the biggest non-playoff slate of games for the NBA. They draw a crowd, so their Christmas Day performances likely won’t stop anytime soon.
Golden State will obviously be competing on Christmas again. Later today, they’ll head to Phoenix to take on the Suns. The Warriors and Suns are currently sitting atop the Western Conference and have the two best records in the NBA.
While Green’s play shouldn’t take a hit, it’s certainly not going to be easy for him and his family having to miss the holidays yet again. Many Warriors, including two-time MVP Stephen Curry, have a child, so his pain is likely felt throughout the roster.
Hopefully, the league can hear Green’s disgust about missing the special time with his family and change any schedule for next season.