Preview: Warriors injuries highlight need for depth to provide value

Moody to miss remaining preseason, Butler (ankle) out

The Golden State Warriors have two games left in the preseason, and are already contending with injuries. Par for the course - especially with an older team like the Warriors - these little injuries around the edge of the roster will provide the perfect opportunity for an extended look at the deeper rotation.

Moses Moody is done at least through next week with a calf injury. Jimmy Butler is still recovering from an ankle that was rolled during practice. Every team deals with injuries, but for this mixed roster that Golden State is going to run with, it’s expected to be much more of a running theme, rather than the occasional announcement. For players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga, these extra minutes (and the opportunities that go along with them) could be career-defining - for better or worse.

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GAME DETAILS

WHO: Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers

WHEN: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025; 6:30pm PST

WATCH: NBA League Pass (with blackouts)

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What do you do with the minutes you are given?

Over the off-season, there’s been a lot of discussion about Kuminga’s role, his opportunities here, and whether or not he and the Warriors will ever manage to get through their difficulties. At the core of it all, this comes down to trust. Kuminga sees himself as deserving more touches, a more set role, and some appropriate level of offensive play calls to get him involved. But for coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors, the argument is not quite persuasive enough.

This isn’t some sort of ultimatum game. Kuminga is an extremely talented young basketball talent, and the Warriors are intrigued enough to fight to keep him on board over the off-season. Of course, a sweeter offer from somewhere may have been enough to tip the scales, but for now, the Warriors are more than happy to continue to coach and evaluate Kuminga.

The root cause of this conflict is that the Warriors have a lot of non-main players that warrant more time. And so now there will be another chance tonight for Kuminga (and others) to step into the lights a step further. Without Butler or Moody, there’s going to be a lot of minutes open at the wing tonight. The Warriors have a lot of guys that deserve a chunk of those minutes.

For Kuminga, this is more than just another preseason audition - it’s a referendum on what kind of player he wants to become in the Warriors’ ecosystem. These moments, buried in the preseason grind, often decide futures more than anyone admits. It’s where rotation spots are won, trust is built, and careers either solidify or start to drift. For a team trying to blend eras and identities, every minute carries a little extra weight.

Podz was phenomenal against the Lakers (reportedly, I couldn’t watch the game).

23 points on 16 shots, to go along with 8 assists and 5 rebounds is the sort of all-around masterclass that forces coaches to give a player more minutes.

Kuminga’s shot chart isn’t as well rounded, but maybe that’s ok because at least it isn’t a shot shart. (Ha! oh God, I’m so sorry, dear reader) Look at the concentration of makes around the rim here. If Kuminga is going to be effective, those points in the paint will be hugely important - especially if he continues his struggles shooting from outside.

The question in front of the Warriors is going to be whether or not the opportunity cost is worth it. Quintin Post, Buddy Hield, Gui Santos and Trayce Jackson-Davis are all going to be ultimately competing for minutes off the bench.

In the last game, Kuminga smartly avoided adding to the team’s shooting woes from deep, but it’s fair to wonder how hard the team will have to work around these limitations in order to find a viable balance. Short-handed, Golden State may not have the luxury of this freedom all season, but now? It’s time to get weird in the preseason.

I wish I was able to watch this game because now that some of the starters are available again, it will allow Kerr to tinker in a way that wouldn’t make sense in the regular season. Particularly without Moody and Butler, this should - on paper - be a Kuminga game.

And this is the rub for both Golden State, and a player like Kuminga that is trying to make a case for more playing time. Force it, or have a bad game, and the coaching staff will make notes to discuss internally later. Where exactly does Kuminga fit into the rotation? Can he play alongside the starters and fill the void left by Butler and Moody? Or will the results speak for themselves in the wrong way and prove that Kuminga isn’t one of the best options off the bench?

It’s there for the taking. Assuming it all comes together at the right time.

Prediction

Warriors win, Kuminga makes a three.