Durant wants to play game three against Trail Blazers

Kevin Durant is keen to play for the Golden State Warriors in game three of their opening-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers but the All-Star remains questionable.

Durant was able to participate in a light practice session on Friday, on the eve of Golden State’s clash against Portland in the Western Conference playoffs, with the Warriors leading 2-0.

After missing five weeks with a knee injury toward the end of the regular season, Durant returned to play just four games before suffering a calf injury and sitting out the 110-81 game-two win on Wednesday.

“I want to play,” Durant said. “I want to be out there every step of the way with the team, but I understand health is important and I want to feel great hopefully for a long run this postseason.

“I understand the big picture but I still want to play.”

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr realized there is a lot of basketball remaining, and the Warriors are going to play it safe when it comes to Durant’s health.

“[We want] 100 per cent health,” Kerr said. “If it was game seven of the Finals, he’d play because we’re not talking about anything that could damage his career.

“But what we’re talking about is something that if potentially could get worse and knock him out for a few weeks, then it’s not worth it.”

Durant understands that the trainers are his friends, even if they do not clear him in time to play on Saturday.

“They’ve got my best interest,” Durant said. “Obviously, I played through injuries before, but I was out for a month and I came back and got injured again. So I don’t want that to happen again if I do push it.

“I don’t want to play one game and sit out another two weeks. So I’m just trying to be smart about it. But also I’m still itching to get out there on the court. I feel good.”