Steve Kerr had the Golden State Warriors fanbase excited when he announced that Jonathan Kuminga would finally suit up against the Houston Rockets on Thursday. Unfortunately, another roadblock sprouted up ahead of the team's crucial bout. Just hours before tipoff, Kuminga's status was downgraded to “out,” per the Athletic's Anthony Slater. The Warriors forward is reportedly suffering from bilateral knee tendonitis.
Kerr gave a recent update, stating that Kuminga was able to run scrimmages on Tuesday and Thursday morning but added that the training staff recommended another night off for the injured forward.
“So he played the day in the Dallas game, he scrimmaged,” Kerr said. “And he scrimmaged again this morning and just didn't feel quite ready. Training staff said they felt strongly that we should give him another night off. We're hopeful for tomorrow but we'll see how he feels tomorrow.”
Here’s a Jonathan Kuminga update from Steve Kerr. Kuminga scrimmaged this morning and didn’t feel quite ready, per Kerr. They are “hopeful” he will play in Dallas tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/FPmYmDKdqw
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 4, 2024
Kuminga has been out for four straight games due to a persisting knee issue. In place of the forward, Kerr has opted to go with rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis in the starting lineup. Nevertheless, the team seems to be doing well. The Warriors have won five games in a row and are looking to extend their streak to six against Houston. Jackson-Davis has stepped up when called upon, which is why it remains to be seen if Kuminga will be placed in the first five upon his return.
Even Kerr himself said that “it's up in the air” as to whether or not Kuminga will be a starter immediately.
“Whether he (Kuminga) starts or not, it's up in the air,” Kerr said, via ClutchPoints' Ryan Bologna. “We're gonna meet as a staff. We've won four in a row starting TJD (Trayce Jackson-Davis) with Draymond on the front line. In the past, the way I've handled things, if our team is playing well, I generally stay with the same group.
Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors aim to secure a play-in spot
Thursday's ongoing clash is pivotal for both Golden State and Houston. The 10th-seeded Warriors are currently clinging on to the last play-in spot with the Rockets trailing behind. A .40% winning percentage separates both teams amid the final stretch of regular-season games.
Looking at both teams' schedules, it won't be easy. Among the Warriors' last six games are bouts with the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans. The Rockets, on the other hand, will be facing teams such as the Miami Heat, the Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers. Every game counts, especially the one being played now.
A Warriors win will give them more breathing room (and inch them closer to the ninth-seeded Lakers) while a Houston victory will cast an end to the Rockets' two-game losing streak and strengthen their playoff hopes once more.
Starter or not, Jonathan Kuminga will be a much-needed boost for the Warriors in the coming days.
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