Warriors Pillar Returning from Injury at Perfect Time

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.

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.