DeMarcus Cousins Return May Cover Kevin Durant Absence

The Golden State Warriors were originally expected to have a tougher time with Kevin Durant suffering an injury although they always have the manpower to make up for that. Stephen Curry did just that, exploding for the Dubs and eventually disposing of their NBA Western Conference rivals, the Houston Rockets.

As of this writing, the Nuggets are waiting for their next opponent. It could be the Denver Nuggets or the Portland Trail Blazers. They are currently tied at 3-3 and the Dubs' eventual opponent will be known by tomorrow. Regardless of who they face, the fact remains that the Warriors could use a shot in the arm if some of their players are reactivated. It seems that this guy will be DeMarcus Cousins.

According to NBA.com, there is a chance that Cousins may return in time for the NBA Western Conference Finals. Boogie has been sidelined since April 15 with a torn quadriceps muscle against the Los Angeles Clippers. The longer the Warriors wait would be beneficial, giving the temperamental big man more time to rest.

Should that happen, the Warriors would get a big sigh of relief knowing they have someone who can man the middle. If Golden State ends up facing the Nuggets, a healthy Cousins could give the likes of Nikola Jokic or Mason Plumlee problems. Should it be the Blazers, Boogie could be a problem for Enes Kanter or Zach Collins down low.

Either way, Cousins would be welcome return with Durant still out after suffering a calf strain in game 5 of the Warriors' series with the Houston Rockets. KD did not play in game 6, the Bleacher Report reported. Stepping up in his absence in the middle were Andrew Bogut, Kevin Looney, Jonas Jerebko, and Jordan Bell. Having Cousins back bolsters that rotation both in offense and defense.

As for Durant, uncertainty in the air remains despite critics feeling confident that he can make it back at some point moving forward. According to NBA.com, Durant stayed behind to undergo treatment during game 6. He is scheduled to be re-evaluated Sunday and this will likely tell on when he can return to action.

The Warriors may be undermanned but obviously, have the manpower to joust with other teams. A Cousins return is welcome, although the Dubs are likely to do fine. They did it in the past without Durant and Cousins so facing the odds in their road to the 2018-19 NBA Finals is really nothing new.