The Golden State Warriors are strongly considering holding out their star forward Kevin Durant for Game 2 against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight, according to a report by ESPN's Marc Stein.
While he remains officially as “questionable” for the game, the organization is leaning toward playing it safe and keeping him out of action unless he's fit to play. He was diagnosed with a strained left calf following last game, which head coach Steve Kerr announced Tuesday.
If Golden State indeed sits him, Durant would benefit from a five-day rest until the team takes on Portland on the road on Friday for Game 3.
Durant's efficient 32-point outing was key in the Warriors surviving an offensive onslaught from the Blazers backcourt in Game 1, as Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum combined for 75 points in the outing.
The Blazers will be without center Jusuf Nurkic for the second consecutive playoff game, as he recovers from a nondisplaced fracture on his right fibula — he's been out since March 24 with the injury.
Warriors point guard Shaun Livingston (hand contusion) and forward Matt Barnes (sprained ankle) are also listed as questionable and are likely to be game-time calls as is Durant.
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