A Tale Of Two Centers: How Draymond Green, Robert Williams III Remain Hampered By Lingering Injuries

As the Finals has progressed the play of each team’s dynamic big man, Draymond Green and Robert Williams III, has become a flash point. 

Each has shown moments and stretches of impactful play, but both appear to be significantly hampered by pre-existing injuries. 

Robert Williams III Injury Update

Williams is listed as questionable once again for Game 5 after reportedly tweaking his surgically-repaired left knee during Friday’s loss, and if he does play will carry an SIC health score of 68. 

The 24-year-old has had maybe his best games of the postseason back-to-back, totalling 15 points with 22 rebounds, six blocks and four steals on 7-8 shooting in Games 3 and 4. He played 31 minutes in Game 4, his most since he played 35 minutes on March 13, exactly three months ago.

Williams III appeared to be trending in the right direction before the news of the flare-up of soreness and remains an inconsistent performer from game-to-game, having yet to play 20-plus minutes in more than two consecutive games in the playoffs. 

Draymond Green Injury Update

Green, meanwhile, has progressively regressed throughout the playoffs while continuing to manage the herniated disc that kept him out for over two months. The 33-year-old will have an SIC health score of 83 for Monday's Game 5. 

He was benched for Kevon Looney late in Golden State’s Game 4 win and was swapped out for Jordan Poole in offense/defense line shifts. 

Green is averaging 4.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 4.5 fouls on only 23.1% shooting in the Finals and has been a near ghost on the offensive end despite taking the fifth-most shots on the Warriors. 

The ProBasketballDocs explained in detail back in March how the injury will have to be managed throughout the postseason. Part of this has to do with his unique role as a small-ball center, secondary playmaker and roaming defensive safety, which requires an uncommon level of quickness and physical imposition. 

Beyond the challenge of local pain and weakness, the lingering back injury could also be impacting his stamina, an issue that will be exacerbated by the exhausting Finals schedule.