Draymond Green exits season opener with strained knee

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green suffered a strained left knee against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night and will not return, the team announced.

Green banged his knee on a seemingly harmless drive against Trevor Ariza late in the third quarter. He made both free throws after the foul but was visibly bothered as he headed to the locker room.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr was forced to dust off seldom-used center Kevon Looney in Green's absence, while rookie Jordan Bell also saw extended run.

Green finished with nine points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists in 28 minutes.