The NBA’s mid-week notebook features a new full-time starter in Golden State, a contract decision in Orlando, and an injury-ridden matchup between Cleveland and Boston.
Warriors
Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Jonathan Kuminga will remain in the Warriors’ opening lineup moving forward. “He’ll be our starter going forward,” Kerr told reporters, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. The 23-year-old forward is averaging 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists through five games while shooting 53.7 percent from the floor and 43.8 percent from three-point range. His 37 rebounds are the most he has ever collected in his first five outings of a season.
Kerr praised Kuminga’s improved defense and decision-making, noting matchups this week against Ja Morant and James Harden. Golden State will continue to alternate its fifth starting spot between Quinten Post and Brandin Podziemski based on opponent size and style.
Magic
The Orlando Magic have declined the fourth-year team option on Jett Howard for the 2026-27 season, The Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede reported. Selected 11th overall in 2023, Howard is averaging 3.7 points in 9.8 minutes across 80 career games while shooting 36.9 percent.
Orlando’s move comes with Paolo Banchero’s pending maximum extension expected to push the club toward the luxury-tax threshold. While Howard’s option was declined, the Magic exercised the fourth-year option on guard Anthony Black and the third-year option on forward Tristan Da Silva. Black is contributing 12.0 points and 3.5 rebounds on 53.1 percent shooting, and Da Silva remains a rotation piece after 38 starts last season.
Cavaliers at Celtics
The Cleveland Cavaliers aim for their fourth straight victory when they visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. Cleveland will be without Darius Garland (toe), Max Strus (foot) and Sam Merrill (hip). Boston is missing Jayson Tatum because of an Achilles issue, though Jaylen Brown is expected to play despite hamstring tightness.
The Cavaliers enter TD Garden at 3-1 behind strong play from Donovan Mitchell, while the Celtics stand at 1-3 following Monday’s win over New Orleans.
Source: Hoops Wire
