Programming note: Watch the NBA Finals pregame edition of Warriors Outsiders on Thursday at 4 p.m., streaming live on the MyTeams app.
Raptors wing OG Anunoby had an emergency appendectomy on April 11 and hasn't made an appearance in the playoffs.
Yet.
Toronto upgraded his status to questionable for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Warriors on Thursday night.
In a surprise, Raptors list OG Anunoby as QUESTIONABLE for Game 1.— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) May 29, 2019
Sports
OG Anunoby is upgraded to questionable for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Sounds like he is pushing to play sooner rather than later.— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) May 29, 2019
Based on what Raptors head coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Monday, this was unexpected.
"He's doing better. He's on the court. He's moving around. He's not quite 100 percent but healing really well," Nurse explained. "Probably still about 10 days away from playing."
This update made it seem like Anunoby was likely to miss the first two games of the series in Toronto. That still may be what happens, and it's possible that the Raptors just want the Warriors to think that Anunoby truly might play.
OG Anunoby says he hopes to be back at some point during the NBA Finals. Says he hasn't returned to full practicing, but has had a little bit of contact.— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 29, 2019
Golden State could be using the same tactic by saying it's unclear if DeMarcus Cousins will be active on Thursday night (that decision might have been made already).
[LISTEN: Warriors Outsiders Podcast -- NBA Finals preview]
It's all about trying to get an edge, right?!
During the regular season, Anunoby averaged 7.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game.
He's a long, athletic wing who gives Toronto depth and versatility.
