The Warriors head into Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, but things are far from good in Dub Nation. After a tough stretch of games and a string of injuries piling up, the Bay team is looking to get back on track. Because with Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins back in the lineup, the San Francisco community was hoping the team would finally find their groove again!

But as always, there’s a twist. Nasty, this one. Draymond Green, the engine of the Warriors’ defense and the heart of the locker room, has been dealing with lower back pain. Just when it seemed like he was going to be back, the situation throws another curveball—Draymond Green is out with an illness. Yeah, another roadblock for the Dubs, who are barely at .500 this year.

Draymond Green ‘out’ again: What this means for the Warriors

For a team that prides itself on defensive grit, aside from the obvious shooting prowess, losing floor general Draymond Green is like losing the glue that holds everything together! His absence against Toronto marks his sixth missed game this season, and the Warriors have gone 2-3 without him in the lineup. Add in injuries to key names like Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, and Brandin Podziemski, and suddenly, the Dubs are rolling into Canada shorthanded.

Coach Steve Kerr had initially hinted that Draymond Green might make his return from his back injury (left disc) on Monday. But an unexpected illness has thrown a wrench into those plans. Mind you, this is not the same back issue he faced in the 2021-22 season, which sidelined him for 26 games. Without him, though, the Warriors will now lean on Kyle Anderson, who has stepped up admirably.

Against the Pacers, Anderson racked 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, proving he can contribute in key moments. However, filling the void left by Green’s leadership and defensive prowess is no small task.

What’s at stake for the Golden State Warriors?

Let’s be real: the Warriors can’t afford to lose this one. At 19-19, another loss today would send them under .500 for the first time this year—an outcome no legacy team with a playoff chance would want scrimmaged onto their back. With the aging Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins also back in the team lineup, though, the Steve Kerr-led team can regroup, as the pressure is escalating.

Toronto may not be the toughest opponent on paper, but the Raptors have their own weapons like RJ Barrett, who could exploit the Bay’s defensive gaps. Without Draymond Green directing traffic and setting the tone on the hardwood, Golden State will need a collective effort to avoid another disappointing loss.

This is crunch time for the Warriors.

Draymond Green’s absence is yet another challenge in what’s been a rollercoaster season, but the team has no choice but to adapt. Can Curry’s offensive magic and Wiggs’ return spark a much-needed win? Or will they find themselves slipping further into mediocrity? All eyes will be on how they respond in Toronto, but one thing is certain—this season keeps throwing curveballs at Golden State.