Reports: Andrew Wiggins recovers from adductor strain but will miss two more games
The Golden State Warriors are slowly getting healthy again, with All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins recovering from his adductor strain injury. However, he isn't cleared to join the lineup as he came down with a non-Covid illness on Monday (December 26th).
The Warriors expected Wiggins to be back for Wednesday's (December 28th) clash against the Utah Jazz, but coach Steve Kerr has ruled out his return. Here's the update Kerr shared ahead of Tuesday's Hornets-Warriors game: (via 95.7 The Game):
“Unfortunately he’s sick now. He’s been cleared to play but he’s not in the building tonight because he came down ill (Monday). He’ll be out (Tuesday) and (Wednesday) and hopefully gets better quickly. We’ll see how he’s doing. We were targeting tomorrow Tuesday). That was likely to happen, then he came down ill."
Wiggins has missed 11 games for the Warriors due to an adductor injury. During that stretch, the Warriors went 4-7. Golden State could've had some of those games turn their way in Wiggins' presence, especially with Steph Curry sidelined.
He has arguably been their second-best player. He is averaging 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds, shooting 51.1% from the field, including a team-high 45.1% from 3-point range. Andrew Wiggins is also the Warriors' go-to man defensively against the opposing team's best perimeter players.
Click here to read Steve Kerr's update on Andrew Wiggins' return.
Andrew Wiggins' timely return could help Golden State Warriors turn things around
The Golden State Warriors have endured a difficult run over their last 11 games. Andrew Wiggins missed all 11, while Steph Curry missed 10 games. The Warriors were on the road seven times during that stretch without their two best players. They have the worst record away from home this season, and playing without their two All-Stars only worsened their situation.
However, they are back home and have begun their eight-game homestand with a 2-0 run, beating the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets. The Warriors take on the Jazz on the second night of a back-to-back tomorrow without Wiggins, but considering the Dubs' stellar home record, they should be able to prevail.
Andrew Wiggins would bolster the Warriors' chances of having a successful homestand if he returns Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
His versatility will give Steve Kerr many options with his lineups. Especially with young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody stepping up their performances over the last couple of games.
Wiggins' potential return comes at an ideal time for the Warriors as they need to capitalize on their homestand to improve their record and turn things around.