The Golden State Warriors are already depleted by injuries in the preseason. With Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga missing tonight’s matchup against the LA Clippers, other rotational players got more burn. However, their depth seemed to take a serious hit when guard Brandin Podziemski fell, visibly struggling.

In the first quarter, with 9:39 left on the clock, Podziemski took a hard fall and looked visibly shaken. He was helped to his feet by the Warriors’ director of sports medicine, Rick Celebrini, and slowly limped to the locker room on one leg. The situation looked uncertain, and the injury looked serious. However, with 3:50 remaining in the first, Podziemski returned to the game. It was reported that he had suffered a left hip contusion, but the issue was not thought to be severe.

Podziemski entered the 2025 offseason coming off multiple surgeries. In May, he underwent a left wrist debridement, and in June, he underwent a core muscle repair. He recovered from the surgeries just in time, participating fully in training camp and preseason, looking to solidify his role as a key part of Golden State’s guard rotation around Stephen Curry.

Podziemski’s brief exit highlighted the primary concern following the Warriors: health. Their backcourt would’ve suffered another major blow after it was revealed that Moody is set to miss the season opener with a calf strain.

Head coach Steve Kerr, during a press conference, said, “He just hasn’t practiced yet, and we’re hoping that he gets on the floor maybe Sunday or Monday. But without enough ramp-up time, he’s doubtful for the opener.”

For now, Podziemski is the lead candidate for starting shooting guard, with Buddy Hield backing him up. This could change as the season progresses, and Moses Moody and De’Anthony Melton, rehabbing an ACL tear from last season, will return since they are better equipped to guard opposing ball-handlers and creators.

The Warriors will monitor Brandin Podziemski closely as they approach their opening night matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21st. How quickly Podziemski returns to full form could significantly change how Golden State performs early in the season.

Golden State’s Rotation Shaken as Jonathan Kuminga Misses Preseason Finale

With the Warriors already dealing with injuries, the recent Jonathan Kuminga absence is another wrinkle of concern. The young forward missed tonight’s game following his first career ejection in the team’s last outing against the Portland Trailblazers.

During the play which led to an argument with a referee, Kuminga had his ankle clipped – the same ankle which led to him missing almost half of the regular season last year. Due to this tweak, he was forced to sit out this game, and might miss some time before he returns to the Warriors.

Kuminga was expected to carve out a consistent role alongside Podziemski this year, and the timing of the injury is extremely unfortunate for his development. Though his tweak is not considered severe, the Warriors need to be careful with his availability while prioritizing long-term health.

Kuminga’s temporary absence might also shift the rotation, forcing rookies like Will Riley and the veterans like Draymond Green and Al Horford to shoulder more responsibility. How soon he can return will heavily influence Golden State’s early success, and he will be crucial in maintaining lineup balance and the Warriors’ trademark versatility.