Andrew Wiggins is set to return to the Golden State Warriors just in time for their NBA playoffs campaign. The All-Star player has been cleared to play in Game 1 of the Warriors’ first-round series against the Sacramento Kings, although his role remains undetermined. Wiggins is expected to play 20-plus minutes off the bench on Saturday, with his workload increasing for Game 2 on Monday.
Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is cleared to play in Game 1 vs. Kings on Saturday, his first game since Feb. 13. Golden State is leaning toward Wiggins coming off the bench in a 20-to-25 minute playing time role, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 13, 2023
Wiggins had been absent from the Warriors’ lineup since February 13, taking an extended leave of absence from the team due to an undisclosed family matter. While his leave of absence ended on April 4, Wiggins declined to work with the Warriors’ trainers while away, resulting in his delayed return to games.
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Despite his absence, the Warriors still managed to post a 15-10 record. Wiggins’ return, however, will be a welcome addition to the team, especially as they face the Kings, who led the NBA in offensive efficiency this season. Since joining the Warriors during the 2019-20 season, Wiggins has become an integral part of their championship-winning defense.
Wiggins has been averaging 17.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season while shooting 47.3% from the field and a career-best 39.6% from 3-point range. However, his health remains a concern, as he missed 15 games earlier in the season due to a groin injury.
Warriors center Kevon Looney had positive things to say about Wiggins’ current condition, describing him as “amazing.” Head coach Steve Kerr also confirmed that Wiggins is ready to play, stating that “Andrew looks great, and he is ready to go.”
Wiggins’ return is expected to make a significant impact on the Warriors’ playoff campaign, especially as he may be tasked with guarding Kings All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox. The series between the upstart Kings and the established Warriors is expected to be an exciting one, with Wiggins potentially serving as a major X factor for the defending champions.
Game 1 between the Warriors and the Kings is set for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The Golden State Warriors’ Championship Aspirations rise on the Return of Andrew Wiggins: A Key Asset to the Team’s Success
Andrew Wiggins is expected to make his return to the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs after an absence of close to two months due to a personal family matter. Wiggins’ return provides the Warriors with their key secondary scorer, one of their best perimeter defenders, extra size, extra rebounds, and a more unpredictable offense. Without Wiggins, the Warriors have become more predictable with the ball always in the hands of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
The team has struggled offensively without Wiggins, who was a key secondary asset during their championship run in 2014-15, as well as during the playoffs last season, where he made a strong case for being the MVP.
Wiggins’ aggressive play going for rebounds on both ends of the floor dramatically impacted playoff games in favor of the Warriors. His return puts Golden State in a position to once again contend for a championship at the highest level possible.
