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Kevin Durant is officially out for Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors. Reports had suggested that the two-time reigning Finals MVP would miss at least the first game of the series, and coach Steve Kerr confirmed as much at Monday’s practice.
Steve Kerr affirms Kevin Durant won’t play in Game 1 vs Raptors on Thursday
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) May 27, 2019
While Durant won’t play in the opener, it’s still being determined whether or not he’ll make the long trip to Toronto, or stay home and rehab.
Steve Kerr said he hasn’t decided if Kevin Durant will travel to Toronto yet and is OUT for Game 1. However, Kerr said Durant has progressed to on court shooting on his own.
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) May 27, 2019
General Manager Bob Myers suggested that Durant is likely to accompany the team. However, the fact that it’s still up in the air certainly makes it seem like the chances of Durant playing in Saturday’s Game 2 are slim to none.
Talked to #Warriors GM Bob Myers today, and he said of Kevin Durant possibly traveling with team to Toronto on Tuesday: "I think he will, is what I’m hearing. We probably need to know that by tomorrow. My sense is that he would." Durant has been ruled out of Game 1 on Thursday
— Ron Kroichick (@ronkroichick) May 27, 2019
While Durant is for sure out for Thursday’s Game 1, center DeMarcus Cousins is currently listed as questionable.
Steve Kerr listed DeMarcus Cousins as questionable for Game 1
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) May 27, 2019
Myers seemed optimistic that both Durant and Cousins would return during the series, but also admitted that it’s too soon to know for sure.
More from Myers, on Durant and DeMarcus Cousins potentially playing in Finals: "Hopefully, both will have an opportunity. But it depends on how they respond to the next phase of recovery. They both have a chance." #Warriors #NBAFinals
— Ron Kroichick (@ronkroichick) May 27, 2019
Fresh off a sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers, the Warriors are surely feeling confident with or without Durant and Cousins. But it sure would be nice if those players returned on the biggest stage.
UPDATE: Durant will be joining the team in Toronto.
Golden State star Kevin Durant will travel with the team to Toronto, a league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 28, 2019