NBA Finals Injury Report: Kevin Durant should return this week, Kawhi Leonard dealing with knee injury and more

After a long and grueling season, the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors are currently fighting it out to be crowned 2019 NBA champions. Thanks to an inspired Game 1 performance from Pascal Siakam, Toronto led the series going into Sunday night's game, however, DeMarcus Cousins dominated Game 2 to help the Warriors tie the series at 1-1.

The Warriors and Raptors now face back-to-back games at Oracle Arena, and injuries remain the major talking point. Both teams have a number of ailing players heading into Wednesday night's game, and here we will examine all the latest injury updates ahead of Game 3.

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Kevin Durant - Calf Injury - Could Return For Game 4

Kevin Durant has missed the Warriors' last seven games

Kevin Durant was the standout performer during the opening weeks of the 2019 playoffs. Over 11 appearances, the 30-year-old averaged 34.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, although Durant has not played since sustaining a calf injury during Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals.

KD traveled with the Warriors for Games 1 and 2 in Toronto, although he was listed as inactive for both matches. However, when speaking to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne ahead of the Warriors' Game 2 win, head coach Steve Kerr offered positive news regarding Durant's status:

It's feasible. But again, it's really a day-to-day thing. If we had a crystal ball we would have known a long time ago what we were dealing with. It's just an injury - there's been a lot of gray area.

Multiple reports had suggested that Durant would play in Game 3 if the Warriors fell to a 2-0 series deficit, however, after leveling the series, KD's return is less pressing for the reigning champions.

Kawhi Leonard - Knee Injury - Will Play Game 3

Kawhi Leonard has enjoyed a stunning season with the Raptors

Kawhi Leonard has struggled with persistent injury issues throughout the entirety of the 18-19 season, and The Athletic is reporting that he is currently battling a knee injury. The report states that Leonard's knee issue stems from overcompensating for his injured right quad (from last season), although the 27-year-old will continue to play through the pain barrier for the remainder of the postseason.

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OG Anunoby - Abdomen - Available for Selection

OG Anunoby has missed Toronto's entire run to the NBA Finals

OG Anunoby has not played since undergoing an emergency appendectomy in mid-April, although the 21-year-old was listed as active ahead of Sunday's defeat to the Warriors. While Anunoby didn't make his much-anticipated return, the 21-year-old has successfully recovered from his appendectomy procedure and could make an appearance later this week.

Klay Thompson - Hamstring Tightness - Should Play in Game 3

Klay Thompson was among the Warriors' best performers in Game 2

Klay Thompson left the Game 2 win over the Raptors in the fourth quarter with hamstring tightness. Thompson did not return and looked in discomfort as he headed back to the Warriors' locker room. However, the 29-year-old has stated that he will be okay to play in Game 3 on Wednesday, and his MRI only indicated a mild strain of the hamstring.

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Kevon Looney - Collarbone Injury - Out For Series

Kevon Looney has been a key player in Steve Kerr's rotation

Kevon Looney suffered a chest injury in the first half of Sunday's game. The injury restricted the 23-year-old to just 10 minutes, and the Warriors believe that Looney will miss the remainder of the postseason.

Forward Kevon Looney, who did not play in the second half of last night’s Game 2 of the NBA Finals due to an upper body injury, underwent an MRI exam today in the Bay Area. The MRI indicated that Looney has suffered a non-displaced first costal cartilage fracture (right side). He will be out indefinitely.