Draymond Green's return anticipated 'at some point after All-Star Break'

Fear not, Warriors fans -- Draymond Green is almost back.

Golden State announced Wednesday in a press release that Green's return is "anticipated" for after this weekend's All-Star Break. Green was selected to play in the All-Star Game but remains out with a back injury.

Green will have missed 19 consecutive games when the All-Star Break begins, and it could be considered 20 since he only appeared in Klay Thompson's return from injury for a few seconds before checking out of the game.

It was initially reported that Green was dealing with a calf injury, but it was discovered not longer thereafter that the issue stemmed from the involvement of a disc in his lower back. He said on Feb. 3 that he hoped to be back within three to four weeks, but that he "can't guarantee that."

Green is averaging 7.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game this season over 34 appearances. He is also averaging 1.2 blocks and 1.4 steals per game, and was widely believed to be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate before his injury.

The Warriors entered Wednesday in second place in the Western Conference at 42-16, good for second in the entire league as well and just 5.5 games back of the first-place Suns.