The Golden State Warriors are set to face the Sacramento Kings in the first game of the NBA play-in tournament on Wednesday night, and they might have a secret weapon in their arsenal: Andrew Wiggins.
The former No. 1 pick, who was traded to the Warriors from the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, has been sidelined for the past two weeks with a left knee injury. But according to head coach Steve Kerr, Wiggins looked ‘amazing’ in a scrimmage on Tuesday and is expected to play against the Kings.
“He was flying around, he was making shots, he was defending,” Kerr said of Wiggins. “He looked great. He looked like he hadn’t missed a beat.”
Wiggins’ return is a huge boost for the Warriors, who are already without Klay Thompson (Achilles) and James Wiseman (knee) for the season.
Wiggins averaged 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game this season, while shooting a career-high 47.7 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. He also emerged as one of the team’s best defenders, ranking fourth in the league in blocks per game (1.0) among guards.
Wiggins will likely start at small forward alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kevon Looney, forming a formidable lineup that can match up with any team in the league.
Wiggins’ versatility, athleticism and scoring ability will be crucial for the Warriors’ chances of advancing to the playoffs and making some noise in the Western Conference.
The Warriors finished the regular season with a 39-33 record, good for eighth place in the West. They will face the ninth-seeded Kings (31-41), who are led by De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield.
The winner of the game will advance to face the loser of the Lakers-Spurs game for the seventh seed in the West. The loser of the game will be eliminated from playoff contention.
The Warriors have won three of their four meetings with the Kings this season, including a 113-109 victory on April 25 that featured a 37-point performance from Curry and a clutch block from Wiggins on Fox in the final seconds.
Wiggins said he is excited to be back on the court and help his team win.
“I feel good. I feel ready,” Wiggins said. “I’m just happy to be out there with my teammates and compete for something bigger than ourselves.”
Final Thoughts: Andrew Wiggins Returns to Boost Golden State Warriors’ Playoff Hopes
The return of Andrew Wiggins is a huge boost for the Golden State Warriors as they enter the NBA play-in tournament. The former No. 1 pick has been sidelined with a left knee injury for the past two weeks, but he looked ‘amazing’ in a scrimmage on Tuesday, according to head coach Steve Kerr, and is expected to play against the Sacramento Kings.
Wiggins’ versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability make him a crucial piece in the Warriors’ lineup, especially with Klay Thompson and James Wiseman out for the season.
Wiggins averaged 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this season, shooting a career-high 47.7 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. He also emerged as one of the team’s best defenders, ranking fourth in the league in blocks per game among guards.
With Wiggins likely starting at small forward alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Kevon Looney, the Warriors have a formidable lineup that can match up with any team in the league.
Wiggins’ return gives the team a much-needed boost heading into the play-in tournament, and his presence could be the difference-maker in securing a spot in the playoffs.
The Warriors have won three of their four meetings with the Kings this season, including a 113-109 victory on April 25 that featured a 37-point performance from Curry and a clutch block from Wiggins on De’Aaron Fox in the final seconds.
Wiggins’ ability to defend and score will be crucial in containing Fox and the Kings’ offense and securing a victory for the Warriors.
Overall, Wiggins’ return is a welcome sight for Warriors fans and players alike, and his presence on the court could be the key to the team’s playoff hopes. The Warriors have a tough road ahead in the play-in tournament, but with Wiggins back in action, they have a fighting chance to make some noise in the Western Conference.
