Golden State Warriors: Kevin Durant will have limited time till Conference Finals

The Golden State Warriors superstar forward Kevin Durant will have limited time to heal his injured right calf prior to the Western Conference Finals.

After a stunning Game 6 victory, the Golden State Warriors will get a few days off. They’ll take on the winner of the Portland Trail Blazers versus Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on May 14.

Both teams will pose interesting threats to the Golden State throne. However, each of the matchups gets significantly easier for Golden State if former MVP Kevin Durant returns to the lineup.

In the third quarter of Game 5 in the West semifinals, Durant went down with what appeared to be a non-contact injury. While most of the on-scene analysts were calling it an Achilles injury, the medical staff came out confirming it was a right calf strain.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Durant will be re-examined next week. What “next week” means is unclear, but Durant, if he hopes to make it back in time for the Conference Finals, will have to push the limits on his body.

While obviously not ideal, the Warriors can look into playing the first two games, both which will regardlessly be at home, without the four-time scoring champ. After all, if they defeated the Rockets in Game 6 without him, couldn’t they beat who many consider will be a worse opponent?

Against both the Blazers and Nuggets, Durant is a cheat code for Golden State.

The Nuggets, outside of Torrey Craig, have no one to guard Durant. Meanwhile, Portland, who struggled to defend Paul George in their first-round matchup, may not have an answer for one of the postseason’s best players.

That said, getting Durant back will be a huge plus for Golden State. However, a strain that was described as “mild” may take weeks to heal. Fans and coaches may have to plan not to see Durant return till possibly the NBA Finals.

The Golden State Warriors will have under a week till the start of the Western Conference Finals. Will that be enough time for Kevin Durant to make a full recovery?

Let’s hope so!