The full injury report ahead of Thursday night’s game.
The Golden State Warriors are back in action following a tough loss on Wednesday night to the Dallas Mavericks. They visit the Houston Rockets tonight at 5:00 p.m. PT in yet another back-to-back … something Steve Kerr is none too pleased about.
There’s good news for the Warriors. While Steph Curry hasn’t played most back-to-backs this year, he’s good to go tonight, despite playing 37 minutes less than 24 hours ago. And Jimmy Butler, still working his way into game shape, is also playing.
Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Out — Jonathan Kuminga (right ankle sprain)
This will be Kuminga’s 21st consecutive game lost to injury, and hopefully his last for a while. The Warriors don’t play again for eight days, and there’s a decent chance JK will be back for that game.
Rockets
Out — Fred VanVleet (right ankle strain)
FVV’s numbers have dropped quite a bit this year, but he’s still been a very solid starter for a very good Rockets team. He’s missed the last six games with an ankle injury, and the Rockets have gone just 2-4 in that time.
Out — Jabari Smith Jr. (left metacarpal fracture)
Smith hasn’t played since New Year’s Day, but he’s nearing a return. Houston is hoping he can return to contact drills during the All-Star break.
Out — Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management)
Eason, the 17th overall pick in the 2022 Draft, is having the best season of his career in his third NBA campaign. But he missed 13 straight games spanning December and January, and is still managing his recovery from that injury.
Out — Cody Zeller (not with team)
Zeller began the year with the Atlanta Hawks, but hasn’t played this season due to personal reasons. He was traded at the deadline to the Rockets, but has yet to join the team. I’m not sure what’s going on, or if he’s expected to join the Rockets at some point soon. Hopefully everything is okay, though.
Enjoy the action, Dub Nation!