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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The worst fear of Warriors’ fans is confirmed as Draymond Green is ruled out from the lineup to face the Mavericks. This update comes a day after his status was deemed questionable due to lower-back soreness. This latest setback could further dent the hopes of the Golden State Warriors, with their late-season run plagued by injuries. They are 10th in the Western Conference standings and fighting for a spot in the playoffs.

That is devastating news for the Warriors as they were already heading into the game shorthanded, with Steph Curry still recovering from his ankle injury. With Draymond Green out of the lineup, the Warriors might struggle heavily against the Mavs’ lethal offense.

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Dallas’ superstar duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving has been on fire recently. Luka has scored 7 consecutive triple-doubles and might get one more tonight with Draymond out of the picture. The Warriors will need their young players to step up and make amends for Green and Curry’s absence. For Mavericks Greg Brown III, Alex Fudge, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Brandon Williams are listed on their injury report.

Even though Mavs have injury concerns of their own Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the Mavericks’ entire starting five lineup will be available against the Warriors. The Mavs currently occupy the last playoff spot in the Western Conference with the Warriors at 10th with a 34-30 record. A defeat for the Warriors will leave them 1.5 games back from the 8th seed.

Green and Curry’s absence could see Trayce Jackson-Davis, Kevon Looney, and Dario Saric receive increased playing time as they look to hold off Luka Doncic and Co. Still, the absence of Draymond Green could be telling given his contributions this season.

Warriors have struggled this season without Green

Green’s injury raises major concerns for the Warriors. Green’s impact is evident from the Warriors’ record with and without him in the lineup. Draymond has played 40 games so far this season. The Warriors’ record in those 40 games is 23-17. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and Co. are an abysmal 11-13 without Green this season.

Earlier this season, Green was suspended and missed 12 games after hitting Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face on December 12. Before that, he also missed five games in November after his altercation with Minnesota center Rudy Gobert.

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Despite being absent for more than a handful of games, Green is averaging nine points on 49.5% shooting from the field with seven rebounds and 5.9 assists in 26.5 minutes per contest. He is averaging a career-best 42.3% from beyond the arc this season.

His impact on the Warriors squad goes beyond the stat sheet. Green is the engine that drives the Warriors. Even when he is not playing, he uses his Championship experience to guide the young players on the Warriors roster.

Read More: Klay Thompson NBA Draft: John Wall’s Failed Request to Wizards Made Warriors Dynasty Possible

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Green has missed 24 games so far due to multiple suspensions and injuries. Tonight’s game will be his 25th missed game of the season. The Warriors are currently 10th in the Western Conference standings. And Green’s absence could further dent their fading playoff hopes.

GSW fans will hope Draymond Green’s injury is not serious, and that he will return to action soon. Do you think the Warriors can win against the Mavericks without Draymond Green and Stephen Curry?