The Warriors should hold out Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, the Golden State Warriors’ star small forward, is dealing with a left calf strain. He should be held out of Game 2.
The Golden State Warriors took a series lead over the Portland Trailblazers in Game 1 of the opening round of the playoffs. They did so, partly due to Kevin Durant’s 32 points and 10 rebounds. They could be without the superstar in the second game.
Durant is listed as questionable, but reports are saying he’s closer to doubtful. He is dealing with a left calf sprain. It’s the same leg that he hurt earlier in the year when he suffered his MCL sprain.
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The superstar’s leg was getting worked on during Game 1 The superstar was held out of practice on yesterday and did not participate in shoot around this morning. He is a game-time decision.
Steve Kerr and his staff should choose to sit Durant for the game. It’s never ideal to play a playoff game without your MVP forward. Luckily, Golden State has another one.
The Warriors can beat Portland without Durant. They still have a core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson that defeated the Blazers last season. Their bench is playing well and they have a guy in Andre Iguodala who can handle some of the load.
Even if the Warriors lose, going to Portland with a split isn’t the end of the world. Unless things go terribly wrong, Golden State will win the series. Whether it’s in four, five, or, even, six games, it doesn’t really matter.
Durant will have a lot of time to rest until Game 3. That game would be on Saturday, giving him almost a week to recover and strengthen his calf. It’s important for him to get back to 100 percent.
The Warriors do not need Kevin Durant for Game 2. Whether they even need him for the entire series is up for debate, but Game 2 isn’t a must-win contest. They can win without him and, even if they don’t, they can survive a loss.
Golden State is looking big picture. They need Durant healthy for next month and beyond because they plan to be playing deep into May and early June. Winning Game 2, but losing Durant for an extended period is not worth it.
Kerr should sit Durant, much to the chagrin of Adam Silver.