Warriors' Andrew Wiggins Cleared To Play In NBA Playoffs After Nearly Two Months Away

Photo: Instagram/Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins, the All-Star wing for the Golden State Warriors, has been cleared to play in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Sacramento Kings.

Wiggins has been away from the team for nearly two months due to an undisclosed family matter.

While his role for the series has not been determined, he is expected to play 20-plus minutes off the bench on Saturday, with his workload increasing for Game 2 on Monday.

Photo: Instagram/Andrew Wiggins has the potential to make a significant impact for the Warriors in the upcoming NBA playoffs.

Although Wiggins declined to work with the Warriors' trainers while he was away, reviews of his current condition have been positive.

Warriors center Kevon Looney described him as "amazing" on Wednesday, and head coach Steve Kerr confirmed he was ready to play on Thursday.

The Warriors went 15-10 during Wiggins' absence, but his return will undoubtedly strengthen the team's defense against the Kings, who led the NBA in offensive efficiency this season.

Wiggins has become a key component of the Warriors' championship-winning defense since joining the team during the 2019-20 season.

In 37 games this season, Wiggins has averaged 17.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and a career-best 39.6% from 3-point range.

However, his health is not a guarantee, as he missed 15 games earlier this season due to a groin injury.

If Wiggins is fully healthy, he is expected to spend a significant amount of time guarding Kings All-Star point guard De'Aaron Fox.

His presence on the court could prove to be a major X factor in what is already shaping up to be a compelling series between an upstart and a dynasty.

Game 1 between the No. 6 seed Warriors (44-38) and the No. 3 seed Kings (48-34) is scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The Warriors will be happy to have Wiggins back just in time for the playoffs.

Read Next: Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Top 20 MMA Champions of All Time, Excludes Conor McGregor

Source: Yahoo Sports 

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