On Wednesday night, the Golden State Warriors will face the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis without veteran forward Draymond Green, who is sidelined due to a lower back issue. The team announced that Green will not participate in the game as the Warriors manage his injury carefully, prioritizing his health for the remainder of the season.
Green had played on Tuesday in a close 113-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, contributing 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in 32 minutes. Despite his effort, the Warriors fell short, and the team is now facing a depleted lineup against the Grizzlies.
Details Surrounding Green’s Absence and Injury Management Strategy
Green has been dealing with a sore back for several days, having already missed Monday’s game because of the same issue. According to Mercury News reporter Joseph Dycus,
“WARRIORS INJURY UPDATE: Draymond Green out with a lower back ailment + injury management, so this could just be Kerr giving Green the second night of a B2B off. He missed Monday’s game with a sore back. Horford will play, Melton is out.”
The Warriors appear to be taking a cautious approach with the 35-year-old forward, aiming to preserve him for the playoff push. Green is in his 14th NBA season, all with Golden State after coming out of Michigan State, and currently averages 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 41.0% from the field and 32.0% from beyond the arc.
Impact of Injuries on Warriors’ Roster and Season Standing
In addition to Green, the Warriors will be without several other key players, including Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, Jimmy Butler, LJ Cryer, Seth Curry, De’Anthony Melton, and Nate Williams. This significantly limits Golden State’s options in their matchup against Memphis. Currently, the Warriors hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 30-28 record through 58 games, having won only four of their last ten contests and posting an 11-17 record in away games.
Following the Memphis game, Golden State is scheduled to host the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James on Saturday night at the Chase Center, adding further importance to managing players’ health moving forward.
Memphis Grizzlies’ Roster and Season Context Ahead of Tonight’s Game
The Grizzlies will also be missing their top player, Ja Morant, who remains sidelined. Memphis is in a rebuilding phase after trading key contributors Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane earlier this season. The team currently sits 11th in the Western Conference with a 21-35 record over 56 games and is enduring a two-game losing streak while winning only three of their last ten matchups.
Memphis plays the next game on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks following their clash with the Warriors. Tonight’s matchup tips off earlier than usual, starting at 6:30 p.m. local time.
Season Review and Outlook for Both Teams
Last season, the Warriors were eliminated in the second round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Grizzlies were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. As both teams navigate injuries and roster changes this season, their performances in the coming games, including this Memphis-Golden State contest, will be critical in defining their playoff prospects.
WARRIORS INJURY UPDATE: Draymond Green out with a lower back ailment + injury management, so this could just be Kerr giving Green the second night of a B2B off. He missed Monday's game with a sore back. Horford will play, Melton is out. pic.twitter.com/vZCyauDH1E
— Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) February 25, 2026
Warriors at Grizzlies injury report: pic.twitter.com/3KS8fNf8Wc
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) February 25, 2026
Back-to-Back in Memphis
🏀 GSW at MEM
🕟 4:30pm PT
📺 @NBCSAuthentic
📻 @957thegame
📲 https://t.co/6BLvDT0oIP@Betway || #DubNation pic.twitter.com/lXt44ICUkJ— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 25, 2026
Just here to ask Draymond if he enjoyed his hotel stay in Memphis this time around.
Grizzlies-Warriors tonight, earlier tip at 6:30.
Live preview coming up on @WMCActionNews5 at 5 shortly. pic.twitter.com/lNx95fHT52
— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) February 25, 2026
