The Golden State Warriors are struggling to stay afloat, and now face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. Unfortunately for them, the matchup is going to be harder than expected because forward Jonathan Kuminga has been ruled out of tonight’s game with a back injury.

What Happened to Jonathan Kuminga?

Kuminga has already been sitting out games due to DNPs and injuries, and his status was called into question late tonight. He was added to the injury report due to lower back soreness, initially listed as ‘questionable,’ before being ruled out entirely. This is the first time he has had to sit out due to a back injury this season, and it is likely not a serious issue.

This is an especially unfortunate setback considering that the Warriors are already shorthanded against the Thunder, missing Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green amongst others.

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Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had previously said Kuminga would be expected to play today after five consecutive DNP-CDs, saying on @957thegame:

“For sure… He’ll be out there.”

What Is Jonathan Kuminga’s Injury Status?

Kuminga’s current status is ‘out,’ and he will not play tonight. However, there are no statements from the team on his injury or return timeline. The forward’s next chance to play will be against the Utah Jazz tomorrow, on the second night of the back-to-back.

How Will Warriors Line Up Without Kuminga?

With Kuminga, who has been in many trade rumors lately, being traded out, the team doesn’t have many options. Gui Santos, Buddy Hield, and Gary Payton II could gain extended minutes, but expect lineups featuring the team’s young players, including Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, along with reserves.

This injury bug also surfaces during a surge for the Warriors, who have won five of their last six games, and their matchup against the Thunder is the ultimate test of whether the team’s recent play is a genuine indication of their run or simply a scheduling advantage.

The Warriors are finally settling into a rhythm after a slew of road games to start the season, but the Thunder are no strangers to winning in Chase Center.

OKC owns one of the league’s best road records, thriving in hostile environments behind a hard-nosed, defensive playing style. While the Thunder haven’t logged a true road win in almost a month due to a home-slanted stretch and the NBA Cup’s neutral-site games, their earlier dominance still looms large over the Dubs.

Beyond the standings, a rare individual matchup between two Santa Clara alumni will also take place between the Warriors’ Podziemski and the Thunder’s Jalen Williams. Recent history doesn’t favor the Warriors, as OKC has decisively won both of their earlier meetings, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander outdueling Curry.

Now, with almost every important piece sitting out, this home game turns into a chance to see if the Dubs’ momentum can survive elite competition.