Golden State Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins will be active for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors, according to Mark Medina of the San Jose Mercury News. Head coach Steve Kerr said he has an idea of how much he will play, but would not disclosed how many minutes or his role in the upcoming game.

Cousins has been working on a return from a torn quad since first suffering the injury in the opening minutes of Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs, as he raced up court chasing a loose ball and injured himself within the first three minutes of action against the L.A. Clippers.

The 6-foot-11 big man has missed 14 playoff games since, but will make a somewhat miraculous return after most deemed him to have a season-ending injury.

Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Warriors reporter set to make big ESPN moveGuillermo Guajardo ·
Why Draymond Green wants Metta World Peace to get Knicks coaching job
Why Draymond Green wants Metta World Peace to get Knicks coaching jobJulian Ojeda ·
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball between Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at the Chase Center.
NBA rumors: Warriors a ‘team to monitor’ for Giannis’ Bucks teammateMalik Brown ·
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
Draymond Green claims ‘rich kid’ problem in hoopsZachary Draves ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) plays defense in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga’s lab work caught on video ahead of free agencyJackson Stone ·
Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center with Draymond Green and Thunder's Chet Holmgren in the background
Warriors’ Draymond Green drops Alex Caruso over Chet Holmgren NBA Finals takeJosue Pavon ·

Cousins has worked out since suffering the injury and recently practiced with the team during the past week, allowing him to be familiar with what the Warriors plan to run against a very different Raptors team.

It's unknown to what extent Kerr plans to use Cousins, but he could either start and get the quick hook, or come off the bench, reinforcing the second unit headlined by Klay Thompson.

Regardless of his immediate role, having Cousins back gives the Warriors another weapon to unleash in the absence of Kevin Durant, as the bulky big man can prove useful against the likes of Marc Gasol, while becoming another useful rebounder and a post presence to unleash from time to time.