NBA Playoffs 2019: Golden State Warriors' Kevin Durant to miss Game 1, 'unlikely' to play Game 2

James McKern

NBA Playoffs 2019: Golden State Warriors' Kevin Durant to miss Game 1, 'unlikely' to play Game 2 image

The Golden State Warriors advanced to the Western Conference Finals by taking down the Houston Rockets in Game 6 without Kevin Durant in their lineup.

Now they'll have to start their next series against the Portland Trail Blazers without the reigning two-time Finals MVP.

Durant sustained a calf injury in the third quarter of Game 5 after jogging back down the court. The initial fears of an Achilles injury were wiped away after the game.

But the injury is enough to keep Durant sidelined for the series opener on Wednesday and could also see him miss Game 2 on Friday.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported the star forward is set to be re-evaluated on the day of Game 2, meaning he's "unlikely" to take the floor.

Along with the loss of Durant, Golden State will also be without DeMarcus Cousins (left quadriceps tear) and Damian Jones (left pectoral surgery).

Coach Steve Kerr addressed the injuries to both Durant and Cousins during a morning shootaround and said Durant "hasn't even stepped on the floor yet". 


Without Durant the Warriors offense struggled in the first half of Game 6 against the Rockets, Klay Thompson was the only saving grace in the opening 24 minutes for the reigning champs.

But it was a different story down the stretch as Steph Curry found his range and showed just how devastating he can be.

The Warriors will be hoping it's the same Curry that shows up when the series against the Blazers gets underway on Wednesday.

James McKern