Green practices, could play against Pacers

Draymond Green will lead the cavalry back, or so it appears. Green returned to practice Monday and is listed as probable for Tuesday night’s game against Indiana.

Green, who had been nursing a bruised pelvis, missed Sunday’s 110-91 loss to Utah because of flu symptoms. Head coach Steve Kerr said Green tried to break a sweat at Monday’s practice then retreated to the trainer’s room to get fluids.

All four of the Warriors’ All-Stars missed the Jazz game with injuries. Green is the closest to returning, with Kevin Durant (sore ribs) not far behind and Klay Thompson (fractured right thumb) to follow. Stephen Curry (sprained left MCL) will miss the final nine games of the regular season and probably the first round of the playoffs.

The Warriors declared Durant out for Tuesday night’s game, though Kerr said he’s “really close” and probably will play Thursday night.

Durant moved well while taking shots after practice. Thompson also hoisted shots — mostly left-handed, a few right-handed — but he’s not expected to play in Golden State’s next two games. Kerr described Thompson as day-today.

The Warriors host the Pacers on Tuesday night and the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, then make the short trip to Sacramento on Saturday night.

Slice of honesty: Kerr offered refreshing candor when he was asked whether it’s easier to accept losses when they don’t really matter. The Warriors, who have dropped five of their past eight games, are all but assured the No. 2 seed in the West for the upcoming NBA playoffs.

“I’m supposed to say no, but for sure it’s easier to accept,” Kerr said. “If we were losing games right now and falling in the standings and the playoff seedings, that would be tougher to take. But the fact we’re pretty much locked into the 2 seed, I think it allows us to continue to develop our young guys and get ready for what’s ahead. Don’t get too wrapped up in wins and losses.

“I’ll probably get ridiculed for saying that. Vince Lombardi would not be happy with me right now, but it’s the truth. We’ve got to be locked in on the process and preparing for when it matters.”