The Golden State Warriors took a 1-0 lead in the first-round series matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday behind Kevin Durant’s 32 points and Draymond Green’s all-around play. The game wasn’t easy, though. The two teams were tied at 88 at the end of three quarters until the Warriors defense blasted Portland in the final period to win, 121-109.

Warriors’ injuries

While the Blazers will be without starting center Jusuf Nurkic in Game 2, the Warriors may be without Durant and Shaun Livingston. Durant has a left calf strain, and Livingston has a right index finger sprain and hand contusion.

They are both considered questionable for Game 2.

The Warriors should still be capable of beating the Blazers even without those two, but it would be ideal to have both of them suit up. However, when Durant was out for about five weeks with a knee injury during the season, the Warriors proved to the NBA world that they are able to win games without him, going on a 13-game winning streak.

Who will step up if the two are out?

If Durant doesn’t play, expect Andre Iguodala or rookie Patrick McCaw to be inserted into the starting lineup. Keep in mind that the Warriors are already without veteran Matt Barnes, who took Durant’s place in the starting lineup during the regular season.

He is currently nursing a foot injury and doesn’t have a timetable for return, although he is also considered question for Wednesday’s contest.

Without Livingston, we should see a lot of Ian Clark in Game 2. The aforementioned McCaw should also see a drastic increase in minutes. Coach Steve Kerr truly appreciates the defensive energy the rookie brings every game.

Ultimately, the injuries shouldn’t hold the two players out for too long. The injuries don’t sound serious, and it is likely that at least Durant will play through it. It is his first season with the Warriors, and he came to win a championship. He will not allow minor injuries to slow his path.

Game 1 quick recap

The Blazers are hoping to even the series after a hard-fought Game 1 loss where their backcourt combined for 75 points, with C.J.

McCollum scoring 41 and Damian Lillard scoring 34. For Golden State, Durant led the team with 32 points, while Stephen Curry dropped 29 in the win. Draymond Green was the x-factor, though, recording 19 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, five blocks, and three steals.

Game 2 will be on Wednesday at Oracle Arena at 10:30 pm Eastern Time on TNT.
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