David Lee doubtful again for Game 3 as back issue lingers
There was bad news for Anthony Davis out of Golden State Warriors camp on Wednesday: David Lee probably isn't returning for Game 3, and Draymond Green is just fine.
That means life will continue to be difficult for the New Orleans Pelicans star. He's had an incredibly successful playoff debut through two games but has been slowed some when he's checked by Green, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
After 2 games, Anthony Davis:
VS. DRAYMOND GREEN
18 points
6-18 FGs
4 turnovers
AWAY FROM GREEN
43 points
16-27 FGs
3 turnovers
— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) April 22, 2015
Green had been dealing with a sore ankle and skipped the team's scrimmage Wednesday, but he'll play in Game 3 on Thursday.
Lee, meanwhile, will likely miss his third consecutive playoff game and fourth in a row overall. The offense-first big man has been dealing with a back strain. His condition improved Wednesday but he's considered doubtful for Thursday.
The Warriors don't need to rush Lee back with a 2-0 series lead, especially since Lee isn't particularly important to what they do. In 49 games, he averaged his fewest minutes (18.4) since his rookie season, scoring just 7.9 points per game. He'd have value in certain matchups as an offensive fulcrum on the second unit, but New Orleans isn't an opponent against which Lee's services are required.