Since his painful landing against the Memphis Grizzlies, Jonathan Kuminga has been on the sidelines. The significant right ankle sprain saw him miss 21 straight games. After the long spell without activity, Kuminga returned to practice first time today. The Warriors who are looking to launch a run similar to how they started the season value Kuminga as an integral part of their roster. And with a game against the fast-paced and offensively loaded Kings, Steve Kerr had some sad news.

Although JK has returned to practice, the slasher is nowhere close to making his return. That’s what the Warriors’ head coach suggested after witnessing him in practice tonight. He said the 22-year-old forward is still “way off” from making his return. Only just returning to the hardwood, “he hasn’t scrimmaged yet,” Kerr mentioned.

The good news though is it seems his ankle is healing well. Steve Kerr liked how Kuminga responded to the injury. While he did look back, his return might take some more games. Aside from some ankle work, Jonathan Kuminga must have done some light court work. He probably still isn’t prepared to participate in contact-based practice.

But for the Warriors, the good news is the 22-year-old’s return to the court. The explosive forward had a fantastic stretch prior to his injury. He averaged 20.1 points while shooting 43% from three and also going to the free throw line nearly eight times a game. His rise is crucial to the Warriors. The team is trying to make a push for the postseason.

And climbing up the ranks in the West requires them to fire wins consistently. Luckily, it’s only Kuminga who will be waiting on the sidelines for an extended time.

The Warriors are fully healthy to battle the Kings

While Jonathan Kuminga will spend an extended time getting back into game shape, that’s the only worry Steve Kerr has before they face the Sacramento Kings tomorrow. According to Anthony Slater, “Every other rotation player available for both Kings and Warriors as they exit the All-Star break with identical 28-27 records”.

And having such depth is critical for the Golden State Warriors.

Resuming from a 3-1 stretch, the Golden State Warriors will hope to continue on that trajectory. Jimmy Butler has taken no time to adjust. Moreover, Stephen Curry has been blazing, averaging 32.2 points and 5 assists in the last five games before the break. Additionally, he is also coming off an incredible high from hosting the All-Star weekend in San Francisco.

The sprits within the camp are refreshed since the Butler trade. And the Kings have become their arch-rivals over the past few seasons. Both teams will have to brawl. And with their offenses smoothly functioning, it will mostly be down to how they defend each other. Likewise, for the Warriors, having a healthy and rather fired-up Draymond Green could prove to be a great advantage.

Still, they will have to play a good game in order to beat a Sacramento team that can put together large runs and bury their opponents.