The complete injury report ahead of Wednesday’s game.
The Golden State Warriors are about to embark in a critical Game 5 against the Houston Rockets. After a tense Game 4 victory, the Dubs are sitting in the driver’s seat for the series, but things can change in a heartbeat. With a win, the Warriors will clinch a ticket to the Western Conference semifinals, and can spend the flight home watching the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves play, to see who their next opponent will be. But with a loss, they’ll have to return to the Chase Center for a critical Game 6 on Friday night, with a loss of momentum and a potential Game 7 lurking.
Both teams have their starters available, but are missing a bench piece. Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Out — Jonathan Kuminga (illness)
Kuminga played a big role in Games 2 and 3, since Jimmy Butler III was injured. But he hasn’t played in the other two games. His absence could hurt the Warriors if things go sideways, or if anyone suffers an injury, but he was unlikely to be in the rotation otherwise.
Available — Jimmy Butler III (left pelvic contusion)
Butler would almost surely still be in street clothes if this were the regular season. But it’s not, so he’s toughing it out, even though he’s in obvious pain.
Available — Steph Curry (right thumb splint)
Curry’s been on the injury report all series long, but has never actually been in danger of missing any time.
Available — Gary Payton II (left thumb splint)
Payton is also good to go, which is great given how well he’s defended Jalen Green.
Rockets
Out — Jae’Sean Tate (right ankle impingement)
Tate has been sidelined all series long. Jock Landale had also been out all series, but has been removed from the injury report going into this game.
Enjoy the action, Dub Nation! The game tips off at 4:30 p.m. PT on TNT.