Warriors make it official: Durant won’t play Game 1
OAKLAND — The Warriors finally have clarity on their NBA Finals opponent. They also finally have clarity on whether Kevin Durant will play against the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 on Thursday after missing the past five playoff games because of a strained right calf.
“KD’s not playing in Game 1,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “We’ll see where it goes from here. The fact there’s a lot of days in between games in the Finals helps us. So we’ll see.”
The Warriors play Game 2 on Sunday in Toronto, but Durant might not play in that game, either. Kerr said the Warriors have not decided if Durant will travel with the team to Toronto on Tuesday. The Warriors have yet to clear Durant for any on-court work.
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The Warriors will officially reevaluate Durant on Wednesday, and if he can begin on-court work. On one hand, Durant could potentially have three practice days on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to increase his workkload. On the other hand, that might not be enough for the Warriors to feel comfortable clearing him to play for Game 2.
Since injured his right calf against the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals, Durant’s rehab has entailed receiving treatment in the trainer’s room and completing exercises in the weight room.
“If he did anything on the court, it would’ve been pretty light, Kerr said. “I know he’s been out shooting some shots. But I haven’t talked to rick today. So I’m not exactly sure he’s been doing.”
Kerr has not divulged his starting lineup. But some possibilities to start in Durant’s place include Andre Iguodala and Alfonzo McKinnie.
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