Is Jonathan Kuminga Playing Tonight? Steve Kerr Provides Latest Injury Update Ahead Of Warriors Vs. Rockets Game 6

Not too long ago, Jonathan Kuminga was deemed the next big superstar and potentially the future face of the Warriors franchise. This was after his breakout third season, where his averages skyrocketed to 16.1 points and nearly five rebounds. But Jimmy Butler’s arrival has changed everything. Due to their similar playing style and Jimmy taking precedence over Kuminga, the youngster has fallen out of Steve Kerr’s rotation.

Except for the two games where he briefly took Jimmy’s spot while he dealt with pelvic contusion, Kuminga has not played in an NBA game since April 11. But he could have gotten a chance on Wednesday when Kerr emptied his bench with over a quarter remaining because of how badly the Warriors were losing to the Rockets. However, Kuminga even missed that opportunity because he was sidelined with an illness. Turns out, he was suffering from severe migraine.

Naturally, everyone is concerned about the forward’s availability for tonight’s crucial Game 6. Looks like Kuminga has recovered from his brief illness as he is no longer listed on the Warriors’ injury report. That means he will be available to suit up tonight. Steve Kerr hinted at the same during his recent appearance on Willard & Dibs Show, “Yeah, he’s feeling a lot better. I talked to him today. So, he should be ready to go tomorrow, and there’s absolutely a chance for him to make an impact tomorrow.”

The head coach revealed that Kuminga’s condition was sudden and something he had never experienced before, “I believe it was the first one that Jonathan’s ever had. That’s what our training staff said, yeah.”

He also empathized with the youngster, understanding how painful migraines can be, “Yeah, it runs in my family and I have had migraines since I was a teenager and they’re not fun let me tell you. If you’ve had one you know it. Felt terrible for JK yesterday but hopefully this is just a one-time deal.”

Although Kuminga is back in the lineup tonight, fully healthy, how likely is he to get some minutes?

Steve Kerr leaving his options open as he highlights Jonathan Kuminga’s impact ahead of Game 6

With a chance to close out the series, tonight’s rotation could play a pivotal role in how the Warriors perform. And Kerr is yet to determine the five players who will stand in the middle during tip-off. When asked if he will go with the same starting lineup he did on Wednesday, he said, “I think all options are on the table for sure. I think we will consider everything. There’s always an offense defense component to any of these decisions that you make. As I said, lineup combinations, what’s coming behind the play, behind the first rotation, who’s playing together. So, we’re leaving our options open.”

Dec 23, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) looks on against the Indiana Pacers in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Maybe he will even give Kuminga a chance to prove his mettle like he did in Game 3. Kerr put JK in the starting lineup to replace an injured Butler. Although he had only 7 points, the head coach appreciated his effort, especially on defense, “I thought he did a good job the game he started, I think it was Game 3. When Jimmy was out, he did a really nice job guarding Jalen Green early.”

So, there is a chance, although small, that Kuminga gets his second start of this series. “Clearly, we can use his athleticism, his ability to get to the rim. Again, it’s all lineup combinations, and what makes this tricky, it’s all about the combinations and we have got to find the right balance of shooting and playmaking around Jimmy… Those are the things we are continuing to weigh. But he’s absolutely a part of our thinking in terms of possible adjustments for tomorrow.”

If his number gets called, Kuminga needs to be ready to make an impact and help his team finish the job tonight. Do you think he can do it?

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