The outlook for Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is improving each day, while the status of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving continues to be a concern.
Thompson, who suffered a concussion in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals, participated in all facets of practice on Monday, according to the San Jose Mercury News, strengthening the belief that he will be in the starting lineup for Thursday’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Thompson still must pass the league’s concussion protocol to be cleared to play, but he reportedly is not having any headaches.
Thompson is averaging 19.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in the postseason.
Meanwhile, Irving did not participate in all aspects of the Cavaliers’ practice on Monday as he tries to get ready for Thursday’s game.
Irving has been bothered throughout the playoffs by tendinitis in his left knee and a sprained right foot.
He sat out two games in the Eastern Conference finals because of his knee problem and played just 22 minutes in Game 4 when Cleveland completed its sweep of the Atlanta Hawks.
Irving said Monday he is feeling pretty good, but he said he won’t be 100 percent in the Finals “unless something miraculous happens.”
He is averaging 18.7 points in the postseason.
Matthew Dellavedova is getting most of the playing time in Irving’s absence.