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Steve Kerr Expects Al Horford to Return for Warriors on Christmas vs. Mavericks

The veteran center’s availability could restore defensive balance by freeing Draymond Green from constant center matchups.

Overview

  • Kerr said Horford is "likely to play" on Christmas, with the team listing him as probable due to right sciatic nerve irritation.
  • Horford has missed eight of the last nine games and appeared in only 13 of 30, averaging 5.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists on career-low 32.1% from the field and 29.8% from three.
  • Team policy has limited his minutes and kept him out of back-to-backs, so any boost for the 15–15 Warriors is expected to be measured.
  • Quinten Post has earned starts with improved defense and a team-best plus/minus, leaving Kerr to juggle a deep rotation that also includes Trayce Jackson-Davis and Gui Santos.
  • Horford’s presence could let Green return to a help-defense role following a focus-related sideline dispute with Kerr and reports of frustration about defending heavier centers.