Draymond Green is expecting to play regular minutes upon returning to the starting lineup on Monday to face the Utah Jazz. The Golden State Warriors' defensive stalwart gave signs of his green light earlier Monday, but the team was expected to be tactful with his return, considering the organization is no longer a threat for a playoff spot.

Green dispelled that, saying he will play normal minutes against the Jazz despite tearing a ligament in his left index finger, which forced him to miss the last five games.

The former Defensive Player of the Year took part in practice and was wearing tape around his index finger, laced together with his thumb:

Green could play over 30 minutes on Monday, but don't expect the Warriors to keep him there for long if Utah manages to make quick work of Golden State.

The Jazz are 6-3 on the season and threatening for one of the top spots in the Western Conference. Shall they steamroll through the Warriors in the first quarter, it's likely the team will pull the plug on Green early and shift the focus to developing their young players.

Eric Paschall, who missed Saturday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, is listed as probable for Monday's game. This could provide a real look at how he and Green play together in their first game after a breakout 34-point, 13-rebound night last week.

Should Green depart early, Paschall could soak in most of those minutes as the Warriors accelerate his development this season.