The Golden State Warriors have ruled out Kevin Durant for “the beginning” of the NBA Finals, which are slated to begin on May 30.
Durant originally injured his right calf during Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals against Houston on May 8. According to a release, Durant has not yet been cleared “to begin on-court activities.”
The Warriors say they are hopeful Durant will return by the end of the NBA Finals, which will conclude no later than June 16.
Even without Durant, Golden State is a heavy favorite to win the NBA title. Bovada listed the Warriors at -240 on Thursday afternoon, while Milwaukee (+260) and Toronto (+900) battle it out in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Warriors are 5-0 in Durant’s absence thanks to improved play from Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Curry scored 36 or more points in every game of Golden State’s sweep of Portland in the Western Conference Finals.
Durant has kept himself busy on Twitter while rehabbing the injury. Most notably, he’s in an ongoing feud with NBA insider Chris Broussard.
Golden State also left the door open for DeMarcus Cousins to return during the NBA Finals. He suffered a torn left quad against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of the first round.
The Warriors will be on the road to begin the NBA Finals on May 30.