The Warriors move Kuminga to the bench before the first Pelicans game

The Warriors move Kuminga to the bench before the first Pelicans game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors moved forward Jonathan Kuminga on the bench prior to Tuesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

ESPN’s Shams Charania and Kendra Andrews first reported the moveciting sources, and the news was confirmed when the Warriors announced their starting lineup.

Coach Steve Kerr will start Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis against New Orleans.

The The Warriors don’t want Steph Curry (left peroneal strain), Andrew Wiggins (lower back strain) and De’Anthony Melton (lower back strain).

Curry and Melton have been ruled out for Wednesday’s second home back-to-back with the Pelicans. Kerr listed Wiggins as questionable for Wednesday’s game.

Before Tuesday’s game, Kerr was asked about Kuminga, who has struggled in the first three games of the season.

“Three games is nothing,” Kerr told reporters. “I never worry about a small sample size like that. JK had a really good preseason. He’s going to come around. We’re going to need his strength, his athleticism, and tonight could be a big night for him in that regard depending on how the game plays out, obviously we’ve been playing 12 people every game, which means it’s a little harder for guys to find their rhythm because they don’t play as much worried about JK at all.

Kuminga is averaging 8.0 points on 33.3 percent shooting in 19.7 minutes through three games this season after averaging 16.1 points on 52.9 percent shooting last year.

Kuminga was eligible to sign a rookie contract extension before Oct. 21, but he and the Warriors failed to come to terms, meaning he will be a restricted free agent after this season.

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