DeMarcus Cousins likely to have limited minutes in NBA Finals

The Golden State Warriors will be welcoming DeMarcus Cousins back to the lineup in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, but expectations for him should be tempered.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke with the media ahead of Game 1 on Thursday against the Toronto Raptors. He addressed Cousins’ status and said the big man would likely play limited minutes.

Steve Kerr on Cousins tonight: “I don’t know that his wind and legs will allow him to play big minutes. But he can help us in bursts.” Also: “We’ve been through this before.” Cousins initial injury return: 15 minutes, 14 points, three 3s, six fouls.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 30, 2019

Cousins only played 15 minutes in his first game back from his Achilles’ tendon injury. He is returning from a quad injury that was suffered during Game 2 of the Warriors’ first-round playoff series against the Clippers.

Kevon Looney has seen an increased role since Cousins’ injury and has flourished. The Warriors even gave Damian Jones a start at center against Portland in the conference finals, but that did not go well.

Cousins has started in every game for which he was available this season.