The Golden State Warriors are gradually regaining health, with All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins returning from an adductor strain. He is not, however, cleared to return to the lineup since he was diagnosed with a non-Covid sickness on Monday (December 26th).
Andrew Wiggins was anticipated to return for Wednesday’s (December 28th) game against the Utah Jazz, but coach Steve Kerr has ruled him out. Kerr provided the following update before Tuesday’s Hornets-Warriors game (via 95.7 The Game):
“Unfortunately, he is currently ill. He’s been cleared to play, but he’s not in the building tonight due to illness (Monday). He’ll be out on Tuesday and Wednesday and hopefully recovers fast. We’ll see how he goes. Tuesday was our goal date). That was inevitable, and then he became ill.”
Due to an adductor injury, Andrew Wiggins has missed 11 games for the Warriors. The Warriors went 4-7 during that time. With Andrew Wiggins on the field, Golden State may have won several of those games, especially with Steph Curry out.
He has undoubtedly been their second-best player, averaging 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 51.1% from the field and 45.1% from 3-point range. Andrew Wiggins is also the Warriors’ go-to defensive player when facing the other team’s greatest perimeter players.
The opportune return of Andrew Wiggins might help the Golden State Warriors turn things around
The Golden State Warriors have had a rough last 11 games. Steph Curry missed 10 games, while Andrew Wiggins missed all 11. During that span, the Warriors were on the road seven times without their two best players.
They have the worst road record this season, and playing without their two All-Stars has only made matters worse.
They have returned home, though, and have started their eight-game homestand with a 2-0 record, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets. The Warriors face the Jazz on the second night of a back-to-back tomorrow without Andrew Wiggins, but given the Dubs’ strong home record, they should win.
If Andrew Wiggins, who is presently out with a non-Covid ailment, returns Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Warriors’ prospects of having a good homestand improve.
His versatility will provide Steve Kerr with several lineup choices, especially with young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody ramping up their performances in recent games.
Andrew Wiggins’ possible comeback coincides with the Warriors’ desire to capitalise on their homestand in order to improve their record and turn things around.
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