The Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics are set to face off for the NBA Finals. Both teams have proven to be the undisputed best in their conference. However, this postseason journey has taken a toll on both sides. Injuries have affected these teams to some extent.
The Warriors have had key players injured or who required surgery and rehabilitation. They are Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr, and Andre Iguodala. Each of these players was injured and sidelined for a part of this postseason. One must wonder whether we will see them in action during the NBA Finals.
The NBA Finals MVP and young warriors are back to practice
Andre Iguodala may be a veteran on the back end of his career. However, he is the 2015 NBA Finals MVP. The Warriors resigned him this season from the Miami Heat. However, he was injured with a left cervical disk injury.
Iggy has been instrumental to the warrior’s postseason runs in the past. Therefore, they will potentially need him to win this series.
Otto Porter Jr suffered a left leg foot injury in game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. He did not play in game 4 and has been sidelined since then.
Gary Payton II was a fan favorite. Therefore, it was a devastating sight to see him break his elbow. This injury occurred in the first-round series vs the Memphis Grizzlies.
Reports have shown that the three players have returned to practice in the break leading to the finals. However, they are yet to practice in any “scrimmages”. A scrimmage is an unofficial 3v3 or 5v5 that NBA players constantly participate in.
Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr. and Andre Iguodala practiced today, but didn’t scrimmage. Steve Kerr said Warriors would have a better idea on their status later in week if/when they scrimmage.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 30, 2022
It is good that they have returned to practice. However, it is impossible to determine their status without observing their moves at game speed. That is another purpose of scrimmages.
Rehabilitation from injury is a tricky process and hopefully, these stars will be able to make a much-awaited and expected performance in the NBA Finals.