NBA Playoffs: Conference Finals Team Health Rankings

Dallas Mavericks 92.7 (#4 Seed)

International superstar Luka Doncic’s calf troubles are well behind him. He missed the first three games in the series against the Jazz, but hasn’t looked hindered by the calf injury at all in the past two weeks. His Game 7 masterpiece against the Suns shows he’s ready for a bout against the Golden State Warriors. Dallas is without sixth man Tim Hardaway Jr. to a broken foot, but the team traded for Spencer Dinwiddie midseason to fill that role. He’s done so admirably.

Boston Celtics 89.4 (#2 Seed)

Robert Williams III was available off the bench in Game 7, but did not see the floor in the 109-81 win. He is recovering from a bone bruise and meniscus tear in his left knee, although those both should be resolved soon. The bone bruise was different to the one Ja Morant suffered, as it came from a direct impact from a driving Giannis Antetokounmpo. That makes for a shorter recovery timeline and Williams should be able to play in Game 1 against the Heat, although he will likely still have limited mobility. He is now past the six-week mark in recovery from his meniscus tear, meaning it shouldn’t affect him much in the Eastern Conference finals. Outside of Williams, the Celtics are healthy.

Miami Heat 87.3 (#1 Seed)

After reaggravating his left hamstring strain in Game 4 against the 76ers, starting point guard Kyle Lowry is unlikely to play in Game 1 on Tuesday. Lowry will be available at some point during the series, but he has already attempted to play through the injury for several games. The setback means the team will likely be more cautious with easing Lowry into full minutes and his usage will be based on need in the series. Oddly enough, Miami has gone 6-2 since he suffered the injury, with the two losses coming in the games Lowry returned. Backup point guard Gabe Vincent has filled in well, plus Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo have seen increased minutes with Lowry out.

Golden State Warriors 86.8 (#3 Seed)

The Warriors will have to face offensive juggernaut Luka Doncic without the services of Gary Payton II, who is still recovering from the fractured elbow he suffered in the series against the Grizzlies. While head coach Steve Kerr has yet to rule out Payton’s return in the Western Conference finals, it is extremely unlikely. Klay Thompson, who looks to be fully back from the ACL tear and Achilles tendon tear that cost him two seasons, will likely match up against Doncic at times in the series. Veteran swingman Otto Porter Jr. missed Game 6 with a sore right foot, but that shouldn’t be a concern in this series. James Wiseman has not played all season, but his role has been filled by rookie Jonathan Kuminga. A neck injury has kept super-senior veteran Andre Iguodala out since Game 3 and 4 against Denver. He will reportedly be reevaluated on Thursday, but may not return in the playoffs.