Warriors Optimistic About Porter’s Return To Lineup

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is hopeful the team's reserve forward Otto Porter will be back in time for Wednesday's opening game of the Western Conference Finals.

Porter left Game 5 of Golden State's series against Memphis with soreness in his right foot, an injury which kept him sidelined for Game 6 as well.

Porter averaged 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 63 games for the Warriors this season.

Kerr, who was absent for the final three games of the series himself while battling COVID-19, told media during a May 15 press conference that the team is "hopeful" Porter will be able to play in Game 1 against Dallas, even though he has yet to return to practice.

"Otto was on the bike, but I talked to him and he said he's feeling better," Kerr said.

"He did not do anything on the court, but most of the high minutes guys didn't do much on the court, if anything."

Golden State's series against Memphis had its share of ups and downs for the team, as the Warriors closed out the Grizzlies in Game 6 after a blowout loss in Game 5.

Kerr said the series was "every bit as tough" as the Warriors expected it to be.

"It worked out better honestly, to lose by 50, than had we lost by five and Steph and those guys had played 38 to 40 minutes," Kerr said.

"I think it woke us up a little bit too and put the edge back in our game. I think our guys were ready for Game 6, and they showed that with their intensity."