Jonathan Cumminga is out against the Rockets, but a new injury plan is coming

SAN FRANCISCO– Bilateral knee patellar tendinitis by Jonathan Kumming and his timeline for a comeback lately has been a bit of a mystery. But with Kuminga set to miss his seventh straight game in Golden State’s upcoming matchup with the towering Houston Rockets, there appears to be a plan in place to clear the way for him to return. After the Warriors’ light practice Tuesday morning, Steve Kerr said the fifth-year forward participated in several exercises.

“He did three-on-three before practice, and that went well. Then he participated in the whole practice,” Kerr said. “He’s going to fight tomorrow; he’s not going to play in the game tomorrow, but he’s going to be in the five-on-five tomorrow night before our game. And that’s going to give us a good gauge of where he’s at.”

After the Warriors’ win over Utah on Monday, Kuminga declined to provide an update on his injury when asked at his locker. ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported this morning Kuminga told him he would be back “soon”. when asked when leaving the dressing room. Nonetheless, Kerr’s comments today revealed a much clearer plan and timeline for when Kuminga could potentially return.

Previous details of the Dubs’ head coach were far more vague. Last week, Kerr told reporters, “I don’t know where (he is), he has to tell you where he is (with the injury).” He stated that Kuminga was not run over at that moment and that “he was not moving so well”. Slater later reported that an MRI on Cumming’s knees came back clear. But when asked ahead of the Jazz game about Cumminga’s prospects, Kerr said, “I don’t have any clarity,” adding to the confusion.

“There’s nothing that’s flashy, but it’s bothering him,” Kerr said at the time. “So it’s just day by day.”

Draymond Green status update

Golden State received positive news from Draymond Green’s injury the status is progressing. Kerr told reporters that Green participated in practice today.

“He’s been working out, he said he’s feeling better,” Kerr said. “We’ll list him as questionable tomorrow, but he definitely has upside.”

The Warriors will still be without Al Horford on Wednesday as he deals with a sciatic nerve injury. Golden State didn’t miss too much of a beat without Green in a huge win over Utah. But Houston is a completely different beast, given the size and length they can put on the floor with Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams in the frontcourt. Kerr and the Warriors’ medical staff may not be inclined to rush Green back in such a physical matchup despite the clear need for defense and the size he brings to their team.

Jonathan Kuminga’s injury plan is progressing

Kerr did not give a specific date or time when the team is targeting Kuminga’s return. But regardless of when he returns, he’ll have to get the thumbs up from Rick Celebrini and the Dubs coaching staff before he gets back on the floor.

“Rick will determine that (from) watching the fight tomorrow,” Kerr said. “And he will talk to JK and see how he feels and the two of them will make a decision.”

Whenever he returns, it will be a welcome sight for a Dubs team that has missed his youth, length and athleticism. Kerr said Sunday that the team missed him and needed him. Especially given the Warriors’ veteran years, Kuminga could provide them with some much-needed relief on both ends of the floor.

Golden State will try to build on its victory over Utah with a rematch of the first round of the 2025 playoffs with the Warriors.