Kevin Durant ‘unlikely’ to play in Game 1, but ‘hopeful’ to return during NBA Finals

If the Golden State Warriors want to win their third straight championship, they’ll likely have to win some games without the two-time defending NBA Finals MVP, Kevin Durant.

Durant was reevaluated today, and the team announced that it is “unlikely” that he will be available at the start of the series. However, the Warriors stressed that they are “hopeful” that he’ll return at some point during the series. He has yet to resume on-court activities.

Center DeMarcus Cousins was given the same timetable.

Golden State said that both players are making “good progress.” But it’s certainly not the news anyone was hoping for.

Durant has been out since May 8, when he sprained his calf during Game 5 of the semifinals against the Houston Rockets. Cousins has been out since April 15, when he tore his quad during Game 2 of the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The team is reevaluating each on Wednesday, May 29. That leaves a sliver of possibility for their return at the start of the series, as the NBA Finals begin on Thursday, May 30, in either Toronto or Milwaukee.