Perhaps lost in the attention of Stephen Curry’s ongoing injury is the status of Andrew Wiggins.
The 28-year-old forward who broke out last season en route to being named an All-Star starter has not suited up for the Warriors since February 13 against the Wizards. He’s missed the last four games heading into Tuesday’s home game against the Trail Blazers.
After playing a starring role in Golden State’s run to the 2022 NBA title — Wiggins was arguably the team’s second-best player behind Stephen Curry — the former No. 1 overall pick has had an up-and-down season.
Prior to this most recent absence, Wiggins has shuffled in and out of the lineup, missing 20 of the team’s first 49 games to start the season. In addition to missing 15 games in December with an adductor strain, he’s also missed time for a nagging foot injury and non-COVID illness.
He’s played well when available, averaging 17.1 points per game, playing lockdown defense and shooting a career-best 39.6 percent from beyond the arc. If the Warriors are going to make a serious run at defending their title, they’ll surely need Wiggins.
MORE: Stephen Curry nearing return from injury
Here is the latest update on what we know about Wiggins’ ongoing absence and when he might return.
Why is Andrew Wiggins not playing for the Warriors?
Wiggins is out of the lineup due to an ongoing personal family matter.
The Warriors initially listed Wiggins out for the February 14 game against the Clippers, citing personal reasons. Though Steve Kerr confirmed that they expected him back for their first game after the All-Star break on February 23 against the Lakers, Wiggins missed that game and remains away from the team.
Neither the Warriors nor Wiggins have provided any further specifics about his personal family matter. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported on Sunday that Wiggins remains away from the team.
When will Andrew Wiggins return?
Steve Kerr addressed Wiggins’ absence with reporters last Friday ahead of Golden State’s game against the Rockets. He did not confirm any specific timeline for his return, stating simply, “when he’s ready to come back, he’ll come back.”
On Tuesday, Wiggins was, once again, ruled out due to personal reasons versus the Trail Blazers.
Kerr says Draymond is probable, expected to play vs Blazers.
Steph is “able to do more” lately and an update will come via Warriors PR soon.
Wiggins still out for personal reasons.
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) March 1, 2023
Without Wiggins, Curry, Draymond Green (knee), Andre Iguodala (hip) and Gary Payton II (abdomen), the Warriors have managed to stay afloat in a jam-packed Western Conference. They are 31-30 and in 7th place though even with both the 5th-place Clippers and 6th-place Mavericks in the loss column. However, there is little margin for error given they also sit just 1.5 games up on 11th-place Portland. As it stands entering Tuesday, just two losses separate the 4th seed and 11th seed.
MORE: Full details on Draymond Green’s latest injury update
Warriors schedule 2022-23
Here’s a look at Golden State’s upcoming schedule.
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| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 28 | Blazers | 10 p.m. | — |
| March 2 | Clippers | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| March 3 | Pelicans | 10 p.m. | — |
| March 5 | at Lakers | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| March 7 | at Thunder | 8 p.m. | — |
Andrew Wiggins stats this season
Here is how Wiggins’ stats compare to last year’s All-Star season. As you can see, his performance has been essentially on par with the level of play that earned him an invite to All-Star weekend in 2022.
| 2021-22 | 2022-23 | |
| PPG | 17.2 | 17,1 |
| RPG | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| APG | 2.2 | 2.3 |
| Stls PG | 1.0 | 1.2 |
| Blks PG | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| FG% | 46.6 | 47.3 |
| 3 FG% | 39.3 | 39.6 |
| Games missed | 9 | 24 |