The NBA Finals begin in one day. After two years of varying stages of basketballing putridity, the Warriors are prepared to enter a rock fight with the Boston Celtics at the precipice of the NBA’s summit.
It has only been two years, but felt significantly longer. And as they make preparations for Thursday’s Game 1, there remain questions about who will actually be available.
There are three players in question for the series debut, in Gary Payton II (fractured elbow/ligament damage), Otto Porter Jr. (foot) and Andre Iguodala (neck).
Payton II suffered that infamous elbow injury at the start of Game 2 in the Western Conference Semifinals when Dillon Brooks of the Grizzlies committed a flagrant 2 foul against him.
Porter Jr. had a right foot injury earlier this season but had a left foot issue flare up in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals and missed the final two games.
Iguodala has been dealing with a neck injury for some time and hasn’t played since Game 4 of the first round against the Denver Nuggets.
Head coach Steve Kerr said Wednesday that al three would be listed as questionable for Thursday’s opener.
In his media availability, Payton II did not seem exceedingly confident that he would play.
“Still got a couple boxes to check off,” Payton II said. “Not quite there yet.”
