Warriors vs. Raptors Preview: Who Has Edge in 2019 NBA Finals Matchup?
Here are the biggest things to watch heading into the series, which starts Thursday night in Toronto
By Logan Murdock ••
With the Toronto Raptors beating the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night, the Warriors' NBA Finals matchup is confirmed.
The best-of-seven series will pair the back-to-back defending NBA champions against Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Drake (possibly) and a Raptors organization fresh off clinching the first Finals appearance in its 24-year history.
For the first time during their current five-year run, the Warriors will not have home-court advantage, and they could be without injured starters DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant at the onset of the series.
For now, here are the biggest things to watch heading into the series, which starts Thursday night in Toronto.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors attempts a shot against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada.
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors attempts a shot against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors attempts a shot against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is assisted off the court after sustaining an injury in the first half against the Toronto Raptors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after sustaining an injury during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against Stephen Curry #30 and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half during Game Four of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the second half during Game Four of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptorshandles the ball on offense against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Danny Green #14 and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Four of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a shot against Draymond Green #23 and Andrew Bogut #12 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Four of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a shot against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Three of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the first half during Game Three of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: A general view during player introductions prior to Game Three of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at ORACLE Arena on June 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a shot against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Three of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the first half during Game Three of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Shaun Livingston #34 of the Golden State is defended by Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors in the first half during Game Three of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Logan Murdock
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the first half during Game Three of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors in the first half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a shot against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
NBC
Quinn Cook #4 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate the play against the Toronto Raptors in the second half against the Toronto Raptors during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the first half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and former President of the United States, Barack Obama speak in the first half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the first half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors in the first half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 30: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a pass against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 30: Rapper Drake is seen wearing a Dell Curry jersey before Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 30: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors is called for a charge against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 30: Rapper Drake and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors exchange words during a timeout in the first quarter during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball on offense against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 30: Former Toronto Raptors Executive Vice President Isiah Thomas (L) and former Toronto Raptors player Mugsy Bogues are recognized on court during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 119-117 during overtime in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals to advance to the 2019 NBA Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors high fives Draymond Green #23 during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 20: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors hugs brother Seth Curry #31 of the Portland Trail Blazers after defeating the Trail Blazers 119-117 during overtime in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals to advance to the 2019 NBA Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 20: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Draymond Green #23 during overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 20: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket during the first half against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 20: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 20: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 20: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 20: Meyers Leonard #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers dunks the ball against Jordan Bell #2 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 20, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against Seth Curry #31 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers battles for the ball with Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket during the first half against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Seth Curry #31 of the Portland Trail Blazers takes a shot over Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 114-111 in game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors defends Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors controls the ball against CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: A view of introductions prior to game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers loses control of the ball in game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Jordan Bell #2 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Seth Curry #31 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Al-Farouq Aminu #8 and CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Shaun Livingston #34 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors runs onto the court past brother Seth Curry #31 of the Portland Trail Blazers prior to game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors rives around Austin Rivers #25 of the Houston Rockets during Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the baskeet as Jordan Bell #2 of the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson #1 defend during Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Nene Hilario #42 of the Houston Rockets and Chris Paul #3 during Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after Klay Thompson #11 made the clinching basket with four second left of their game against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he was called for a foul against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with fans during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors high-fives Draymond Green #23 after the Warriors scored a basket against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives on Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets dribbles between Andre Iguodala #9 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Logan Murdock
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors tries to get the fans louder during their game against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 06: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets has a shot blocked by Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 06: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a shot defended by Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 06: James Harden lays on the court after a hard foul in the first half during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 06: PJ Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets steals the ball from Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors and Kevin Durant #35 battle with Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets for the ball in the fourth quarter during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball defended by James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets takes a three point shot defended by Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets takes a three point shot defended by Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors takes a three point shot defended by PJ Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets in the first half during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 30, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets falls to the floor grabbing his face after being accidentlly poked in the eye by Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 30, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets falls to the floor grabbing his face after being accidentally poked in the eye by Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 30, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets has his shot blocked by Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 30, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets is fouled on his shot by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 30, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Andre Iguodala #9 (not pictured) slam dunks against the Houston Rockets during Game One of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 28, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors slam dunks against the Houston Rockets during Game One of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 28, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over PJ Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets during Game One of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 28, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors blocks the attempted dunk of Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets during Game One of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 28, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers scores on a layup past Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in a 129-110 Clipper loss during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors steals the ball from JaMychal Green #4 of the LA Clippers in the first half during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 scores a three pointer in front of JaMychal Green #4 of the LA Clippers in the first half against the LA Clippers during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers is surrounded as he shoots by Kevin Durant #35, Andre Iguodala #9 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Logan Murdock
Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers drives on Alfonzo McKinnie #28 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 24, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors goes up to dunk on Danilo Gallinari #8 and Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers during Game Five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 24, 2019 in Oakland, California.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors talks to his team before playing against the LA Clippers in Game Five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 24, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors high-fives Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during their game against the LA Clippers during Game Five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 24, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after being called for a foul against the LA Clippers during Game Five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 24, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against Lou Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter of Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Lou Williams #23 and Landry Shamet #20 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second quarter of Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers gets tangled with Kevon Looney #5 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against Landry Shamet #20 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the third quarter at Staples Center on April 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 and Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on April 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors scores on a layup past Wilson Chandler #22 of the LA Clippers during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers loses the ball as he is fouled by Shaun Livingston #34 of the Golden State Warriors with helps from Alfonzo McKinnie #28 during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers steals the ball from Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors falls to the crowd after injuring himself against the LA Clippers during Game Two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors has words with Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. Both players were ejected after the play. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the LA Clippers during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 high fives Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during their game against the LA Clippers during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after the Warriors made a basket against the LA Clippers during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Warriors will be without Durant for at least the start of the series with a calf injury. Cousins, who began practicing with the team this week, could make his return from a torn quad in Game 1 if he continues to progress in his rehab.
Still, the Warriors have the healthy Splash Brother duo of Curry and Thompson, who combined to score nearly 57 points per game in the Western Conference finals.
Meanwhile, Leonard has been productive all postseason for Toronto, averaging 31.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 18 games. Following a breakout season, Siakam was a dependable second scorer in the conference finals. Lowry is a reliable regular-season contributor but has routinely struggled in the playoffs, and a thumb injury could hamper his production.
Edge: Draw (until Durant comes back)
Bench
Like the Warriors, the Raptors have struggled to get contributions from their second unit this season, finishing the regular season 24th in bench scoring.
The postseason hasn't been much better for Toronto, which averaged just 25.1 bench points per game through the first three playoff rounds. Former Warrior Patrick McCaw signed with the Raptors midseason after declining an offer from the Warriors and having a brief stint in Cleveland. However, he's averaging just 2.1 points per game across the regular season and playoffs.
With Durant out, the Warriors have gotten contributions from their bench. Jordan Bell, Quinn Cook and Kevon Looney have stepped up in particular, and all three will be counted on in the Finals.
Edge: Warriors
Coaching
Although he wasn't nominated, Toronto's Nick Nurse is putting together a Coach of the Year-worthy campaign. He helped guide the Raptors to 58 wins in his first season, despite Leonard missing 22 games.
Under Nurse's tutelage, the Raptors finished with the league's fifth-best offense, and he oversaw a defense that largely shut down Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in the final two games of the Eastern Conference finals.
However, Warriors coach Steve Kerr has presided over the best six-year run in NBA history, and is on pace to win his fourth championship in five years.
