Report: Warriors' Kevin Durant Ruled out for Game 2 vs. Blazers with Calf Injury

The Golden State Warriors have ruled out Kevin Durant for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

Durant has missed the last two games due to a strained calf and will now missed a third game Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN previously reported he would have his injury re-evaluated on Thursday but it was "unlikely" he would be ready to go by Game 2.

The Warriors can afford to be patient with Durant now that they have a 1-0 lead in the series after a relatively easy 116-94 win in Game 1 Tuesday. Another victory might keep the forward on the shelf even longer as he works his way back to 100 percent.

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry has certainly picked up the slack.

The two-time MVP scored 36 points with nine made three-pointers in Tuesday's win, following up his 33-point showing in the Game 6 win over the Houston Rockets last round. Klay Thompson had at least 26 points in each game to help out as well.

There is no denying the impact Durant has on the court, averaging an NBA-best 34.2 points per game during the postseason. Considering he won the NBA Finals MVP in each of the last two years, it's clear he can help the Warriors when healthy.

On the other hand, this core has won a title without him and the players continue to show they can play well without arguably their most talented teammate.