Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr says he needs a fit Andrew Bogut to nullify an Oklahoma City Thunder team that is "probably the biggest, strongest" in the NBA.
Australian centre Bogut successfully came through Sunday's team practice with the defending champions without aggravating a groin strain.
Kerr rated him as questionable for Monday's (Tuesday 11am AEST) game one of the western conference finals series in Oakland against the Thunder, who feature rugged 213cm tall Kiwi centre Steven Adams.
"This is probably the biggest, strongest team in the league so we need Andrew," Kerr told reporters.
"We want him out there, but if he is not there we have to just play and trust our other guys."
Bogut, who also stands 213cm, strained his groin while slipping in the final game of the Warriors' semi-final series victory over the Portland Trail Blazers last Tuesday.
"He looked springy for sure," said the Warriors' back-to-back NBA MVP Stephen Curry after the practice.
"We need his presence in the paint against their front line."
The Warriors do not lack capable big men reserves, with Kerr pointing to Festus Ezeli, Marreese Speights and Anderson Varejo.
But, Bogut provides the supreme shooting Warriors with an aggressive rim protector, brutal screens and will relish going head-to-head with younger Australasian rival Adams.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan also pointed out Bogut's other skill.
"Bogut is a phenomenal passing big man," Donovan said.
Donovan had great success in pairing Adams with 211cm Turkish centre Enis Kanter in their upset series win against the San Antonio Spurs.
Kanter was not shy on Sunday in revealing the Thunder's game plan.
"We are going to try and get every offensive rebound," Kanter said.
The winner of the best-of-seven Warriors-Thunder series will play the eastern conference finals victor between the Cleveland Cavaliers-Toronto Raptors.
Game one is Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers, featuring Australian point guard Matthew Dellavedova, may be rusty after not playing since eliminating the Atlanta Hawks 4-0 on May 8.
The Raptors advanced on Sunday to the finals for the first time in franchise history with a 116-89 game seven win in Toronto against the Miami Heat.
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