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Andrew Wiggins will not be playing for the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night against the OKC Thunder for personal reasons. Wiggins hasn't suited up for the defending NBA champs since their 134-124 loss to the LA Clippers on Feb. 14.
Golden State's starting small forward, however, is expected to be on the sidelines cheering for his team. He is reportedly looking to play at least one regular-season game before the playoffs start.
Dub Nation went into a frenzy hours earlier when ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported this:
"Golden State Warriors All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins is nearing a return to the team and is expected to be back early this week. Wiggins has missed 21 games attending to a family matter. Huge boost for the defending champions and sixth seed in the West."
Andre Wiggins has reportedly been working out with his team over the last few weeks. Warriors coach Steve Kerr also told the media a week ago that the team never discussed shutting him down. Kerr was confident that their training staff could help him get to where he needs to be when it comes to conditioning.
Wiggins has played just 37 games this season. Before missing 23 games due to personal reasons, he also sat out for over a month to heal from an adductor injury.
Despite getting in and out of the lineup, "Wiggs" production hasn't been much different from last year. The biggest difference is in his shooting percentage, which is now 47.3% compared to last season's 46.6%.
The Golden State Warriors will gladly take whatever he can bring to the table as they close out their season. Barring any setback, he could play in at least one of their last two remaining regular-season games.
The Golden State Warriors will need Andrew Wiggins' two-way impact to defend their championship
Andrew Wiggins was often called the unsung hero in the Golden State Warriors' championship run last season. His services will once again be crucial when they try to go for a back-to-back.
The Warriors hold a 41-38 record, which puts them in sixth place in the Western Conference. They'll be looking to fend off the LA Lakers (40-38) and the New Orleans Pelicans (40-38), their closest pursuers, from grabbing the coveted spot.
Whether they earn an outright playoff berth or try to nail a postseason slot via the play-in tournament, Andrew Wiggins will be needed. He is easily their best wing defender, who can also rebound and score.
Wiggins proved in last year's postseason that he has the ability to make a huge impact on both ends of the floor. "Wiggs" was Golden State's primary defender on Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic in the Western Conference Finals.
Mavs team owner Mark Cuban later admitted that his team wasn't prepared for Wiggins' two-way performance in that series.
The 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics was no different. Andrew Wiggins took out All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum almost completely out of the championship round.
The Golden State Warriors won with Wiggins in the lineup. They will need him again to repeat as champs.
You may also like to read: Breaking: Shams Charania reveals reason behind Andrew Wiggins’ prolonged absence
