Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant will not play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals because of the calf injury that has sidelined him for nearly a month, but Klay Thompson is expected to return Friday for Golden State.
The Warriors initially had been hopeful that Durant would participate in a scrimmage Thursday — a potential precursor to his return to games.
But the team’s training staff was not comfortable allowing Durant to play the scrimmage, according to coach Steve Kerr.
Kerr acknowledged that he likely misspoke Wednesday when he said he believed Durant would play in the scrimmage, but he insisted that Durant had not suffered a setback.
“There was no setback,” Kerr said. “I was hoping today would be the day he’d get back on the floor. It’s not going to be today.”
The Warriors received more-positive news regarding Thompson, who missed their Game 3 loss Wednesday night because of a hamstring injury.
Kerr said that “barring something unforeseen,” Thompson will play in Game 4 as the Warriors attempt to even their series with the Toronto Raptors at 2-2.