Draymond Green aiming to return to the Warriors next week

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is hoping to return from a back injury and play his first game in over two months next week against the Washington Wizards.

"Next Monday, the 14th, against the Wizards. That is the date I am targeting," Green said on his podcast, via ESPN. "I am excited as hell. It's been two and a half months, almost ... I have never missed that much time during the season ... this is something different for me. I am extremely excited to get back out there with my guys to try right this ship."

Green, 32, last played on Jan. 9, although he was on the court for only seven seconds against the Cleveland Cavaliers in honor of Klay Thompson's much-anticipated return from injury. Green's last significant time was on Jan. 5.

The Warriors have struggled as of late with nine losses in their last 11 games. The team's defense has been particularly bad, allowing at least 122 points in each of its last four outings.

Green, four-time All-Star and the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is averaging 7.9 points, 7.4 assists, and 7.6 rebounds this season.