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Golden State Warriors facing more availability issues after Green suspension

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 26: Jordan Poole #3 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors react to a play during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 26: Jordan Poole #3 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors react to a play during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Draymond Green may have been suspended for Game 3 against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on Thursday, but that’s not the only availability issue the Golden State Warriors may be facing ahead of the critical matchup.

The Warriors season is well and truly on the line as they head back home, and the physical nature of the first two outings may have taken a toll on multiple key rotation players ahead of a must-win game.

Key Golden State Warriors Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole and Gary Payton II are all listed as questionable for Game 3 against the Sacramento Kings.

Already without Green and another veteran in Andre Iguodala, Golden State will be sweating on the fitness of Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole and Gary Payton II for Thursday night’s game. All three have been pivotal pieces of the franchise over the last two seasons, and the Warriors cannot afford to add to their current absences.

Wiggins was re-inserted into the starting lineup in Game 2 and performed admirably, but the 28-year-old is now dealing with right shoulder soreness just two games after a 25-game absence where he dealt with personal matters.

Andrew Wiggins has made a positive return despite the Golden State Warriors going down 2-0 to the Sacramento Kings. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Andrew Wiggins has made a positive return despite the Golden State Warriors going down 2-0 to the Sacramento Kings. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Poole has been dealing with an ankle sprain since a collision in the third-quarter of Game 1. He was also questionable for Game 2 but ultimately took to the floor, though the fourth-year guard played less than 16 minutes and struggled mightily with just four points on 1-for-7 shooting from the field.

Poole’s ineffectiveness led to nearly 27 minutes for Gary Payton II, with the 30-year-old recording 13 points and six rebounds. He is now dealing with illness in what could be a big loss for Golden State as they seek to quell the influence of Kings guards De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk.

For the Kings, there’s been much conjecture over their listing of Domantas Sabonis as questionable with a sternum contusion following the Game 2 incident with Green. There’s no clarity on what role the Sacramento fitness staff did or didn’t have on the NBA’s decision to suspend the former Defensive Player of the Year.

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The Kings can all but seal a spot in the conference semifinals with a win on Thursday, while the Warriors are desperately trying to keep what’s been a turbulent season alive. Game 3 starts at 7:00pm PT.

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