(Reuters) — The Golden State Warriors announced Thursday it is unlikely forward Kevin Durant will be ready for the start of the NBA Finals, but they are hopeful he can return during the series.
The Finals begin on May 31, pitting the two-time defending champion Warriors against either Milwaukee or Toronto. The Raptors lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals 3-2 after defeating the Bucks 105-99 Thursday night in Milwaukee.
Sidelined with a right calf strain, Durant has not been cleared to begin on-court activities but continues to make good progress with his rehabilitation, according to the team. He missed Game 6 against the Houston Rockets in the second round of the playoffs, then all of Golden State’s sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference finals.
The Warriors also provided an update about center DeMarcus Cousins, who hasn’t played since April 16 because of a torn left quadriceps muscle. Cousins practiced with the team Thursday for the first time since sustaining the injury, and he is expected to return at some point during the Finals.
