The injury reports are out for Game 1 of the NBA Finals and a trio of Warriors are listed as questionable, which doesn’t come as a big surprise.
At least Gary Payton II (fractured left elbow), Otto Porter Jr. (left foot soreness) and Andre Iguodala (neck) have a chance to play on Thursday night against the Celtics. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. PT and you can hear all the action on 95.7 The Game.
“All three took part in our brief scrimmage today,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters Wednesday. “We’ll see how they turn up tomorrow. It was a good sign that all three were able to have contact.”
Payton hasn’t played since May 3, when he landed hard on the floor following a swipe to the head from Dillon Brooks on Flagrant 2 foul. He told reporters during Wednesday’s media day session he’s still got some work to do before getting cleared by the team.
“I’m not quite there yet,” Payton said. “But I’m excited and getting better every day. Still got a couple of boxes to check off. Couple green lights from guys. Other than that, I’m ready to go.”
Payton would instantly upgrade the Warriors’ perimeter defense, energy, versatility and ability to switch on defense. He also was shooting 72.7 percent in the playoffs before getting injured.
Porter injured his left foot while landing on a layup attempt in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. He also missed Game 6 of the Memphis Grizzlies series in the second round due to right foot soreness, so he’s been working through injuries throughout the postseason.
Listed at 6-foot-8, Porter’s size and shooting capabilities would be welcome off the bench for Steve Kerr. He would probably be able to match up with Boston’s talented wing duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown if required.
“Day to day,” Porter said of his left foot. “Feels OK.”
Iguodala has missed the past 11 contests while dealing with his neck injury, and has appeared in just three first-round contests so far this postseason. While he might not be a major contributor on offense these days, his high basketball IQ, defense, timely passing and leadership are still very valuable to the squad. Finals pressure is nothing new to Iguodala.
“Just trying to finish the season walking on two feet,” Iguodala said. “If I do that, it’s a successful season.”
If all three players can get back to the court, it’d make the Warriors the healthiest they’ve been all campaign.
