Warriors Star Draymond Green Scratched Minutes Before Tip-Off

Injury-plagued Golden State Warriors lose key player against Denver Nuggets

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:55pm by Ben Kaplan

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Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green was a late scratch from the team's game against the Denver Nuggets due to low back soreness, leaving the already injury-depleted Warriors even more short-handed for the crucial matchup.

Why it matters

Green is a vital part of the Warriors' lineup and his absence will significantly impact the team's chances against the Nuggets, a top Western Conference contender. The Warriors have already been dealing with several key injuries this season, so losing Green is a major blow to their playoff hopes.

The details

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr announced that Green would not play just minutes before the game was set to tip off. Green had been expected to start, but was a late scratch due to the back issue. The Warriors are already without several other key players, including Stephen Curry, who has been sidelined with a leg injury.

  • The Warriors were set to host the Nuggets on February 22, 2026.

The players

Draymond Green

A star player for the Golden State Warriors who was scratched from the lineup shortly before the game due to a low back injury.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors who announced Green's late scratch from the lineup.

Stephen Curry

A key player for the Golden State Warriors who has been sidelined with a leg injury, further depleting the team's roster.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to win this game without Draymond. It's a big challenge, but our team has shown resilience all season.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The Warriors will need to adjust their lineup and game plan to account for Green's absence against the Nuggets. The team's medical staff will also continue to monitor Green's back injury and provide updates on his status for future games.

The takeaway

The Warriors' depth is being tested once again, as they must find a way to overcome the loss of another key player. This latest injury setback highlights the team's need to develop its younger talent and build roster resilience in order to remain competitive in the tough Western Conference.