Why is Jonathan Kuminga Not Playing Tonight?
Jonathan Kuminga is ruled out for the Golden State Warriors' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, January 3, 2026, due to lower back soreness.
This came right after hype built that he'd finally crack the rotation, especially with heavyweights like Stephen Curry (ankle), Jimmy Butler (illness), Draymond Green (rest), and De'Anthony Melton sidelined.
Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) confirmed on X that Jonathan Kuminga (back) is officially listed as out for Friday's matchup, adding to the Warriors' growing injury list against the Thunder. This update aligns with reports of his lower back soreness ruling him out just hours before tipoff at Chase Center.
Reports from beat writer Anthony Slater noted Kuminga shifting from expected minutes to "questionable" and then straight-up out talk about a gut punch for a team already scraping by.
It's the first back issue for him this season, popping up just when coach Steve Kerr had said on 95.7 The Game, "For sure… He’ll be out there." Now, the Warriors' bench gets even thinner heading into Chase Center against the defending champs.
What Happened to Jonathan Kuminga?
Kuminga landed on the injury report late Friday with lower back soreness, downgraded from probable return to fully sidelined. He'd been a healthy scratch (DNP-CD) in nine of Golden State's last 10 games, last suiting up on December 18 against the Phoenix Suns nine minutes, two points, four rebounds on rough 1-of-5 shooting in a 99-98 loss.
KNBR (@KNBR) shared on X that Steve Kerr explained Jonathan Kuminga "needs minutes and touches to get his rhythm going" as a long-burst player, despite nine DNPs in the Warriors' last 10 games yet tonight he's ruled out with a back injury.
Trade rumors have swirled all season amid his offseason contract holdout, and this was supposed to be his shot to shine (or boost value before he becomes trade-eligible on January 15). Instead, back tightness hit at the worst time.
No major red flags yet sounds minor, like something from pushing too hard in practice but it stalls any momentum. Warriors fans remember last playoffs when he stepped up sans Curry; this feels like déjà vu, only backwards.
When Will Jonathan Kuminga Return?
No official statement regarding to Kuminga return, but some speculation around like Warriors yet on Kuminga's return, but his next shot comes Saturday, January 4, against the Utah Jazz on the back-to-back's second night. Sources call it "not serious," so expect him available if he shakes the soreness by morning maybe even a quick bounce-back.
Keep an eye on pre-game updates; with the Thunder game tipping at 7 p.m. PT tonight.
Without Curry, Butler, and Green, tonight's lineup leans on Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, Gui Santos, Buddy Hield, and Al Horford. Podziemski vs. Thunder's Jalen Williams (both Santa Clara guys) adds a fun subplot, but OKC's road dominance looms large they've smoked the Dubs twice already this year.
Jonathan Kuminga Stats
Kuminga sits at 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this season, shooting 43.1% from the field over 24.8 minutes. Not superstar numbers, but solid for a 23-year-old former No. 7 pick in a crowded Warriors wing rotation. Here's a quick snapshot:
| Stat Category | Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 11.8 | Efficient inside, trade bait potential |
| Rebounds | 5.2 | Strong boards in limited mins |
| Assists | 2.6 | Playmaking upside |
| FG% | 43.1% | Room to grow from deep |
| Minutes | 24.8 | DNP-heavy lately |
The Warriors (riding a five-of-six win streak) face a true test tonight sans Kuminga can the depth hold? Latest from Slater and Kerr points to opportunity lost, but his value holds steady for deadline drama.
Disclaimer: The information above reflects official injury reports, team updates, and credible NBA beat reporting available as of Friday, January 3, 2026. Player availability, injury designations, and return timelines may change based on medical evaluations or pre-game decisions. For confirmed status, refer to the Golden State Warriors’ official announcements or the NBA injury report closer to tip-off.
