With the stage for the highly-anticipated NBA Finals set, the Golden State Warriors are just waiting on the status of three key injured rotational pieces for Game 1.
During Golden State’s run to the postseason, Andre Iguodala, Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. have all missed time due to different injuries. After practicing on Tuesday and Wednesday, the trio of players are listed as questionable on the injury report for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
Gary Payton II, Andre Iguodala and Otto Porter Jr. will all be listed as questionable for Game 1, per Kerr. All went through contact today at practice.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 1, 2022
Iguodala played only 31 games during the regular season and hasn’t suited up for the postseason since Game 4 of the opening-round series against the Denver Nuggets. Iguodala has missed time in the playoffs due to a left cervical disc injury in his neck.
Prior to Payton II’s injury in Game 2 of the second round against the Memphis Grizzlies, the wing played a key role in Golden State’s postseason run. Payton II started back-to-back games for the Warriors, averaging 6.1 points in 15.8 minutes per contest during the playoffs.
Payton II suffered a fractured elbow after a flagrant foul from Memphis guard Dillon Brooks.
Porter Jr. was ruled out for Game 4 and Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Dallas Mavericks with left foot soreness. Before his injury, Porter Jr. was averaging 5.5 points in 20.7 minutes per game.
If all three players are available for Game 1, Steve Kerr will have to get creative with his rotation for the Finals. With all three veteran contributors back in the rotation, the Warriors will get a significant boost in depth off the bench.
The Warriors and Celtics will open Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at 6 p.m. PT in San Francisco.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
