Jonathan Kuminga is set to play against the Golden State Warriors after missing Friday’s game against the Rockets.
The Warriors, however, are facing a significant injury crisis.
Kuminga’s Return Overshadowed by Warriors’ Woes
Kuminga was traded for Kristaps Porzingis, who will miss Saturday’s game due to a back injury.
Stephen Curry, initially scheduled for re-evaluation on Saturday after a 20-game absence, has been ruled out with his knee injury.
Porzingis and Curry are joined on the sidelines by Moses Moody (wrist), Al Horford (calf) and Seth Curry (adductor). De’Anthony Melton (knee), Gary Payton II (knee), Draymond Green (back), Quinten Post (foot) and Malevy Leons (wrist) are listed as questionable.
Warriors’ Roster Depleted
If all five of the Warriors’ questionable players are unable to participate, Golden State will have only seven available players.
The Hawks, in contrast, will have their main rotation players available.
The Hawks are likely to beat the Warriors comfortably because the Dubs are as beat up as an NBA team can be.
Kuminga is likely to play well for a variety of reasons. For one, he’s capable of playing well against any team because he’s talented. But he’s especially likely to play well because the Warriors have a) virtually no wing depth and b) a huge issue with turnovers that will allow Kuminga to get in transition, which is his strength.
Trade Implications Under Scrutiny
Regardless of the results of this game, the trade looks like a loss for the Warriors. There’s something poetic about Porzingis not being healthy enough to play.
The Warriors needed to trade Kuminga and first-round picks for someone better and healthier than Porzingis, and they blew it.
- Time will tell if the trade is a win for the Hawks or more of a neutral move.
- They have no downside trading Porzingis away.
- It’s not guaranteed that Kuminga will be a helpful rotation piece for them.
In any event, it’s good business from the Hawks. There’s a chance Kuminga blossoms in Atlanta, making the trade a heist.