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Steph Curry and Draymond Green are both expected to make a return after sitting out their matchup against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday due to injuries. Andrew Wiggins also did not play, due to a right abductor tightness.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr gave an update on Curry and Green's status ahead of their bout against the Boston Celtics. Curry didn't give an update on Wiggins' availability for Saturday night's home game. This will be the first game between the Warriors and the Celtics this year since the teams met in June's NBA Finals.
Curry missed the last game due to left ankle soreness, which isn't entirely serious, according to reports. Green, meanwhile, was unavailable due to left hip soreness. Both champions are important to the team's season and their inavailability held the team back against the Jazz in a 124-123 road loss.
Against Utah, Golden State struggled to close out the game. In the closing minutes of the game, the atmosphere became intense after Jonathan Kuminga and Jordan Clarkson got tangled up, almost breaking into a fight. Clarkson was ejected for his taunting, but the Warriors still lost after a clutch fast break from the Jazz.
The Warriors need Steph Curry and Draymond Green to win against the Celtics on Saturday
Steph Curry and Draymond Green are two of the most important pieces in the Warriors' quest to win their fifth championship in their dynasty. But winning hasn't been easy for Golden State (13-13), which is in the 10th spot in the Western Conference.
The Warriors are the reigning NBA champions; however, they haven't played like champions from the start. Golden State has become quite the underdog in their struggling play this season. The Warriors are 11-2 at home but 2-11 on the road.
Additionally, they're on their way to meet the team which has been the most motivated and energized since the start of the 77th season. The Celtics (21-5) are the best team in the NBA right now. Boston has dismantled most teams with its defensive prowess, making them a matchup problem.
Coach Kerr also acknowledged how the Celtics have been motivated to get back to the finals this season.
"I’m sure the motivation from last year is there and is driving them. They’ve been, by far, the best team in the league," Kerr said.
For the Warriors to win their first match to set up the momentum, the Warriors will need the production of Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
