Kevin Durant Injury: Kerr's Latest Update Shows Dr. Beyer's Prediction Coming True

There was a huge sigh of relief when it was confirmed that Kevin Durant had only injured his calf and not his Achilles when he limped off with just over two minutes remaining in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets. He missed Game 6, which the Golden State Warriors won to progress to the Western Conference finals, but the question remains - when will Durant return?

Durant’s injury absence was expected to be short, with many speculating him to return for Game 1 of the West finals, but he has been ruled out for the opening game at the Oracle Arena. Steve Kerr’s latest update on the small forward did not sound too optimistic with regards to him returning anytime soon and Dr. Alan Beyer’s prediction of at least a 2-3 week absence could prove to be right.

The Warriors head coach spoke to reporters Monday to provide further updates on Durant’s injury and DeMarcus Cousins, who has been out with a quad injury since Game 2 of the first round series against Los Angeles Clippers. Kerr’s first advice was to go easy on the questions on Durant because he was yet to even step on the court after suffering the right calf strain, which means the possibility of returning this week was highly unlikely.

Durant was said to be still feeling pain and the coach was expecting a more detailed update with regards to the forward’s condition on Thursday, when Game 2 of the Western Conference finals is played. Dr. Beyer had predicted a possible return for Game 5 of the finals at the earliest and going by Kerr’s comments, it seems Game 3 or Game 4 would be the earliest Durant could be back on the court.

“He hasn’t even stepped on the floor yet. We have tried to remain somewhat vague because the injury is really open ended with how long it needs to recover. He still has pain a lot so he still has time ahead of him in the rehab process,” Kerr said.

Cousins, on the other hand, could miss the entire series, with the head coach stating it was difficult for a player who has not had any live action before the first game to turn it around quickly. He also made it clear that the Warriors were preparing for their series against the Portland Trail Blazers with the mindset that both Durant and Cousins would not be available.