NBA Playoffs 2017: Kevin Durant, Shaun Livingston listed as questionable for Warriors for Game 2

Welp. Looks like the Golden State Warriors playing the Portland Blazers at full strength didn’t last long!

After practice today, coach Steve Kerr indicated that both Kevin Durant, and Shaun Livingston are officially listed as questionable for tomorrow’s Game 2.

If you’ll recall, we saw Durant getting treatment on the sidelines in Game 1 (head trainer Chelsea Lane was putting some sort of white wrap around his calf). He came back in and finished the game though, and all indications were that this was just one of those minor twinges that happen all the time.

While not strictly necessary, Kevin Durant adds a much-needed comfort buffer to this first round playoff matchup. In Game 1, his 32 points (on 12-20 shooting), 10 rebounds, two assists and one block were somewhat overshadowed by Draymond Green’s defensive explosion. Regardless, the loss of one of our primary offensive weapons will put more pressure on the rest of the roster to step up their game. Klay Thompson didn’t have a great game the first time around, so look for him to pick up some of the scoring slack.

Livingston is not as important to the team’s ultimate goals overall, but still a key piece in the playoff rotation (15 minutes, 2 points, one rebound, one assist in Game 1). Kerr said that he sprained a finger and has a “hand contusion” after diving to the floor in Game 1.

Thankfully, his understudy, Ian Clark seems to play exceptionally well against the Blazers. I’m not sure what the franchise has done to make him so angry, but for whatever reason he always has great games against Portland. Probably mad that the line at Voodoo donuts is so ridiculously long.

Neither injury appears to be overly serious, but the obvious concern for the Warriors will be the long-term health of both players. Durant’s calf strain is doubly troubling given his recent return from a lower leg injury. With Matt Barnes (ankle) still sidelined, I’m guessing David West and McAdoo will be playing more minutes in the next game. It definitely leaves us thin at the wings though - the big question is if Portland can capitalize on the opportunity.

Anthony Slater posted this tweet recently. You can see a couple of plays where Durant moves awkwardly. If I’m not mistaken, this is the same leg as his hurt knee.

All of the sudden, I’m not too mad about the two off days between every playoff game anymore. Here’s hoping Durant and Livingston get well soon!