Kevin Durant’s calf strain has apparently not gotten significantly better since Tuesday when it was first announced, and while he remains doubtful for the Warriors Game 2 against the Blazers on Wednesday night, reports out of Oakland are that Golden State is strongly considering holding him out for extra rest and that his status if more doubtful than questionable.
With nine hours until tipoff between Warriors-Blazers, I'm told Kevin Durant's 'questionable' status (calf) is probably closer to doubtful.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) April 19, 2017
The Warriors are strongly weighing whether to hold Kevin Durant out of tonight's Game 2 vs. Portland as a precaution, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 19, 2017
Durant officially remains questionable for Game 2, with a firm decision not due until closer to tip, but the case for more rest is strong
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 19, 2017
Not having Durant, who had 32 points and 11 rebounds in the Game 1 win, would be a significant blow to the Warriors on the wing, especially considering Shaun Livingston is also banged up and listed as questionable after jamming his hand in the opener. However, by giving Durant the night off to continue resting, the Warriors will make it five days of rest before Game 3 in Portland on Saturday, rather than just two days.
If Durant is held out, Matt Barnes likely gets activated to provide added bench depth on the wing with either Barnes, Andre Iguodala, or Shaun Livingston taking the starting role. While Iguodala is their second small forward, they could choose to keep him with the bench unit where he has thrived this season, rather than shake up both the first and second units.
The Blazers, who hung around with the Warriors in Game 1 thanks to phenomenal showings from Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, will be looking to take advantage of Durant’s absence or stats as not 100% to earn a rare road win in Oracle and return to Portland having stolen home court.
