Warriors expect Butler, Kuminga to be ready for opener vs Lakers

The Golden State Warriors closed their preseason with a narrow loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday but left the court with mixed news: two of their biggest additions, Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga, sat out with ankle issues yet are expected to be available for Tuesday’s regular-season opener in Los Angeles, while the club continues to manage several other injury and workload concerns. Coach Steve Kerr said he anticipates Butler and Kuminga will practice over the weekend and be ready for the Lakers game.

Golden State went 3-2 in exhibition play and showed both depth and vulnerabilities. Kerr singled out careless turnovers as a recurring problem and said the return of Butler should restore on-court control and reduce mistakes. “Some of it is just careless play and lack of fundamentals,” Kerr said, noting that Butler’s presence last season coincided with fewer turnovers and clearer game management. Rookie and reserve players logged significant minutes in the preseason, with LJ Cryer and Will Richard generating positive moments; Richard, a rookie, said he was excited to get his first extended run alongside the club’s core.

The injury picture is fluid but not currently...