The Golden State Warriors received encouraging injury news ahead of Friday night’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Offsetting the planned rest day for veteran center Al Horford, the Warriors will welcome back Moses Moody, who is set to make his season debut after missing the first two games with a calf injury.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that the 23-year-old wing has been cleared to play, giving head coach Steve Kerr a timely reinforcement on the perimeter. Moody’s return bolsters a rotation that has leaned heavily on Jonathan Kuminga in his absence.
Kuminga’s Hot Start Strengthens Golden State’s Rotation
In Moody’s absence, Kuminga has seized his opportunity. Through two games, the fourth-year forward has averaged 15.5 points while shooting an impressive 54.5% from the field and 50% from three-point range. He’s also second on the team in rebounding at seven per game, trailing only Draymond Green, and averaging 4.5 assists against just 1.5 turnovers.
Kuminga opened the season with 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the Warriors’ win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I think he’s really matured,” Kerr said after the win. “He’s had a great camp. We’ve had some really good conversations. I think he has a better understanding of what we need.”
Kuminga played 36 minutes in the Warriors’ 137-131 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, finishing with another energetic two-way performance, showing signs of the consistency that coaches and teammates have long hoped to see.
Kerr Balancing Moody’s Return and Kuminga’s Momentum
GettyGolden State Warriors forwards Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody celebrate after a play.
Before Kuminga’s breakout stretch, Kerr had planned for Moody to start.
“The lineup decision was based on Moses Moody not being available,” Kerr said after the opener. “I would have started Moses had he been healthy, based on how we finished last year. We really found a good group.”
Now, with both young wings available, Kerr faces an enviable rotation challenge. Moody’s return could mean a minutes battle with Brandin Podziemski, while Kuminga continues to earn extended time alongside Jimmy Butler and Green in the Warriors’ frontcourt.
“Well, just the athleticism and the ability to switch 3, 4 and 5 — the defensive connection was good,” Kerr told Mark Willard and Dan Dibley on 95.7 The Game.
Kuminga’s Maturity Paying Off After Offseason Extension
Kuminga’s emergence follows a turbulent offseason that ended with a two-year, $48.5 million extension including a team option for 2026-27. The deal gives the Warriors flexibility — a tradable contract but also one they are likely to keep if Kuminga continues to flourish.
“I think Jonathan, you gotta remember, he just turned 23,” Kerr said. “He came to us basically as a freshman in college. It hasn’t been easy to find minutes on this team, and I’m really proud of him for staying with it and maturing.”
Kerr’s comments echo the organization’s long-term belief in Kuminga as a cornerstone of the Warriors’ next generation.
Golden State Eyes Depth and Durability
With Moody back in uniform, Horford resting, and Kuminga’s confidence peaking, the Warriors appear deeper than at any point since their 2022 championship run.
Golden State is looking for its third straight win in Portland, where they will face the Trail Blazers — reeling from the stunning arrest of head coach Chauncey Billups stemming from a sweeping federal gambling and poker investigation — on Friday.
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