Warriors' Klay Thompson to Play in Game 1 vs. Rockets After MRI on Ankle Injury

Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson is available for the team's Game 1 tilt against the Houston Rockets on Sunday afternoon despite dealing with an ankle injury.

Janie McCauley of the Associated Press confirmed Thompson's inclusion in the starting lineup after doubts regarding his status. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters prior to the game that Thompson would warm up and "see if he can play" in the contest. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that an MRI on his ankle came back "clean."

Having missed a total of just 21 games through his first seven seasons, Thompson's run of good health throughout his career largely continued into this season. He missed a game in January with an illness and a pair of games in early March due to right knee soreness.

An MRI on the March injury came back clean also, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

After getting off to a relatively sluggish start, Thompson has come on strong down the stretch, averaging 21.5 points per game during the regular season and 17.3 points per game during the team's first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

While the Warriors still have Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, Thompson is a vital part of the team's success. His ability to catch and shoot is lethal, and when he gets hot, he can take over a game.

If Golden State loses Thompson for any period of time in this playoff run, it would make the road to a three-peat (and a fourth title in five years) that much tougher for Golden State, let alone getting past the Rockets in the conference semifinals.