Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has missed the team’s last four games with knee tendinitis.

Jonathan Kuminga Returning from Injury at Perfect Time

Averaging 16.3 points per game on 52.9 percent shooting from the field, Kuminga has become a key member of the Warriors rotation. However, the Warriors didn’t have much trouble racking up wins without him. Golden State went 4-0 during that stretch, taking down two playoff teams: the Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks.

Nonetheless, their next contest is a must-win game. No matter how well they’ve played as of late, the Warriors would rather be at full strength when they face the Houston Rockets on Thursday. As a result, Kuminga will be active for the upcoming matchup.

Jonathan Kuminga won’t play today, Kerr says. But he will be active in Houston on Thursday.

Kuminga hasn’t done any work for the last week as he’s dealt with knee tendinitis. He’s feeling better, Kerr says, but the trainers wanted him to ramp up more before playing.

— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) April 3, 2024

On Wednesday, the Warriors updated Kuminga’s injury status, upgrading him to questionable against the Rockets. Although it’s far from a certainty, the 21-year-old appears to be trending towards his scheduled return. With that, the Warriors will drastically improve their chances of defeating Houston and securing a playoff berth.

Jonathan Kuminga officially listed as questionable for the Warriors tomorrow in Houston, though Steve Kerr indicated the plan is for Kuminga to return. Gary Payton II probable with left ankle soreness. Everyone else available.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 3, 2024

The Rockets have gone with a more uptempo style since star center Alperen Sengun went down with a leg injury. In leaning into the youth and athleticism of their roster, they’ve managed to go 9-2 without Sengun. As a result, they’re now 3.0 games behind the Warriors with seven games remaining in the regular season.

For Golden State, that’s too close for comfort.

The timing of Kuminga’s return isn’t just about having another volume scorer available. The Warriors, who play small-ball themselves, may be able to match Houston’s pace and space offensively. However, Golden State’s aging roster could lose the war of attrition at the defensive end.

Four members of the Warriors rotation —Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green —are at least 34 years old. As a result, this game could be one in which their young players —like Kuminga —will be even more valuable.

Down to the Wire

If they don’t secure a victory against the Rockets, the end of the season will have a dramatic finish.

Houston has the more difficult schedule to close out the season and will face four playoff teams after they take on the Warriors. Nonetheless, Golden State will take on two playoff teams themselves and a playoff hopeful in the Los Angeles Lakers.