The Golden State Warriors received a massive boost in the form of Andrew Wiggins ahead of their first-round playoff opener against the Sacramento Kings.
Ahead of the key matchup, NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news. “Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is cleared to play in Game 1 vs. Kings on Saturday,” he tweeted. “His first game since Feb. 13. Golden State is leaning toward Wiggins coming off the bench in a 20-to-25 minute playing time role, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater.”
Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is cleared to play in Game 1 vs. Kings on Saturday, his first game since Feb. 13. Golden State is leaning toward Wiggins coming off the bench in a 20-to-25 minute playing time role, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 13, 2023
With Wiggins set to come off the bench after missing games to take care of his father dealing with a serious medical emergency, Golden State might go with the five that Steve Kerr employed in the final stretch of games with Donte DiVincenzo. If they were to go small ball, then the lineup would see Jonathan Kuminga in the mix.
The second unit will be where Wiggins will make a massive impact alongside Jordan Poole and defensive powerhouse, Gary Payton II.
Earlier, he was greeted with a standing ovation by the fans when the side played the Oklahoma City Thunder this month. Wiggins’ arrival gives the Warriors a significant advantage on both ends of the floor, one they will gladly welcome.
The Golden State Warriors Are Still Favorites Ahead Of Their Matchup Against The Kings
Inconsistency and injuries may have dented the Warriors’ regular season, but they have the necessary firepower to defend their title. Stephen Curry even made the confident statement that the side could make a run this season.
“This year we’ve had guys in a lot of different roles, some newcomers,” Curry said on Steiny and Guru. “For us to be the champs and have to take everybody’s best shot all year, some self-inflicted wounds that we’ve had, games we should have won.
“With all that said, absolutely (we can make a run). I feel like we are a team that’s a force and when we’re locked in on the specific test of trying to beat a team four times in a playoff series – obviously we need to get there and finish this year strong and hopefully stay out of the play-in – that remains the same.”
Echoing this sentiment was Klay Thompson who believed no team could beat a healthy Golden State unit.
All this will be put to test when they face the impressive Kings on Saturday. And perhaps, Wiggins’ comeback couldn’t have come at a better time.
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