Gamethread: Warriors need angry Wiggins vs. Kings

no update yet on Kuminga (out) joining Podz and Payton; Fox is out for Kings

Dub Nation is still waiting with baited breath for news on Jonathan Kuminga but will head back into action today against the semi-hot Sacramento Kings. The Kings have won three in a row since sacking ex-coach, Mike Brown but are dealing to injuries to a couple of key players with both De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray appear on Sacramento’s pregame injury list.

The Warriors were just starting to heat up, winning three of their last four games and will now have to find another adjustment while Kuminga is out. The team should get a fresh Stephen Curry back after a game of rest last night, but the more interesting question is if angry Andrew Wiggins will carry over his recent second half performance into this game.

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GAME DETAILS

WHO: Sacramento Kings (16-19) at Golden State Warriors (18-16)

WHEN: Sunday, January 5th, 2025; 5:30 p.m. PST

WATCH: NBCSBA

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Kuminga injury

What we know

Kuminga sprained his ankle last night on a weird play. Going up to defend a shot, he was sandwiched between two opposing players, and came down awkwardly, spraining his right ankle. After staying down for a bit, Kuminga got off the floor and hobbled his way off the court under his own power.

Kerr described it as “a significant sprain” after the game, with an MRI coming today (and an update to follow). Kyle Anderson will slot in to help cover the minutes, but it’s a tough loss for both the Warriors and Kuminga - who was really starting to shine, averaging 26.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game since Christmas.

What we don’t know

Kuminga left the arena last night on crutches, which is likely more of a precaution that true necessity, but there’s no tangible update yet as of time of publish (3pm). Presuming Curry returns, it will be interesting to see how the Warriors adjust their rotations and approach - they’ve been heavily indexed on Kuminga within Kerr’s tightened rotation. As one of their primary rim attackers and most threatening offensive options, this could be a major blow to Golden State’s already wobbly offense.

Hopefully this injury isn’t too disastrous - for either Kuminga, or the Warriors’ chances are a win tonight.

Prediction

Angry Wiggins and returned Curry = Warriors win.