Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr considered the possibility of Kevin Durant practicing during the next few days a “long shot,” something that likely means the team's top scorer is unlikely to suit up for Game 2 of the series, according to Mark Medina of the San Jose Mercury News.
Kerr has been vocal about needing Durant to practice at least once before inserting him into the starting lineup, and while he's started to take steps toward that direction, he has done so slower than expected.
Durant was reportedly green-lighted to do some one-on-one work with trainers, but has yet to move onto the next phase and go through any sort of scrimmage.
Many viewed Durant traveling with the team as a positive sign, but as it turns out, he will likely sit out until at least Game 3, which would postpone his return until next Wednesday.
The Warriors' leading scorer has been out for three weeks, missing Game 6 against the Houston Rockets and the entirety of the Western Conference Finals. The original trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have gone a total of 5-0 without him throughout this playoff run, even managing to snatch a late-game victory in the last 15 minutes of Game 5 against the Rockets, a win that proved vital in the series.
It's likely Durant will return at some point, but the urgency in getting him back will change according to how the series unfolds, as a loss or two early on will call for the emergency button.
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