Jonathan Kuminga\’s return to the lineup is penciled in for Thursday, as the Golden State Warriors are set to host the Sacramento Kings.
The nationally televised contest features two playoff-hopeful Western Conference squads, which happen to be in-state rivals.
The Warriors have been on a tear as of late, posting an 11-2 record since the arrival of Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline. They\’ve been a transformed team.
However, Golden State has one piece they\’ve been without for two months now, as Kuminga was sidelined in early January with an ankle injury.
ESPN\’s Shams Charania reported that his return is coming on Thursday, as the Warriors look to put together yet another win in the Butler era.
“Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga – out since Jan. 4 with a sprained ankle – plans to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings,” Charania reported on X. “Kuminga averaged 20.5 points in his last 14 games played, and now reintegrates to a surging team.”
As Charania mentioned, Kuminga was playing at the best form of his young career prior to the injury.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks with forward Jonathan Kuminga (00).
Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Steve Kerr sends Kuminga message before debut
Ahead of the matchup, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sent a Kuminga message on “Willard & Dibs,” confirming his return to the hardwood.
“It looks good for Thursday… Assuming he doesn’t have any setbacks in the next couple of days, he should be back,” Kerr explained.
Stephen Curry has been playing at an MVP level and Butler has been better than the club could have expected early on, but Kuminga providing a third star role could raise the team\’s ceiling even further.
As mentioned, the G League Ignite product was having a career-year prior to his injury and is in the midst of a contract season. His return comes at a crucial time.