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Health
In comparing the health of the Toronto Raptors to the Golden State Warriors, the Raptors hold a decided edge. Superstar Kevin Durant is expected to travel with the Warriors to Toronto but there is doubt he will play in the series due to a calf injury suffered in the 2nd round versus Houston.
Andre Iguodala who was bothered by a calf issue in the WCF against Portland is likely to play. The Warriors may also need to make minutes available for center DeMarcus Cousins in the Finals.
While the Warriors are getting back some of their players there is no telling in what shape they will be in or how much they can contribute. This puts pressure on head coach Steve Kerr to find production from other role players and to lean heavier on Curry, Thompson, and Green for leadership and points.
The Toronto Raptors have only been without O.G. Anunoby who has missed the entire playoffs due to an appendectomy surgery in which he picked up an infection during the procedure. He has been practising with the team and could be reinserted to the rotation.
The only other real issues for the Raptors are a leg problem that has seen Leonard limping during games against the Milwaukee Bucks and a thumb problem for Kyle Lowry. However, both players were major contributors in the game 6 ECF series-clinching victory over the Bucks and will have 4 days to rest before the Finals begin.
During the Regular season, the Raptors were 17-5 without Kawhi Leonard and played a number of games without all-star Kyle Lowry. The Raptors won 58 games this year. The Raptors may, in fact, might be less reliant on their star power to win games than the defending champions, the Warriors.
Thursday night provides a great opportunity for the Toronto Raptors. Their roster has never been better constructed to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy than it is right now. Kawhi Leonard could win his second NBA Championship, his second Finals MVP, and the Raptors could be NBA Champions. That potential dream could be a reality starting Thursday, May 30th, 2019 at the Scotia Bank Arena in Toronto.
