Andrew Wiggins family matters: Latest updates on why Warriors forward is not playing
Perhaps Andrew Wiggins’ status has been lost in the spotlight of Stephen Curry’s ongoing injury.
The 28-year-old forward, who broke through to become an All-Star starter last season, has not featured for the Warriors since February 13 against the Wizards. He missed the last four games before 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 winner had a season of ups and downs.
Prior to this recent absence, Wiggins has moved in and out of the lineup and missed 20 of the team’s first 49 games at the start of the season. In addition to missing 15 games in December with an adductor strain, he also missed time with 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 serious about defending their title, they need Wiggins.
MORE: Stephen Curry close to returning from injury
Here’s the latest update on what we know about Wiggins’ continued absence and when he might return.
Why isn’t Andrew Wiggins playing for the Warriors?
Wiggins is not in the lineup due to an ongoing personal family matter.
The Warriors initially listed Wiggins for the February 14 game against the Clippers for personal reasons. Although Steve Kerr confirmed they were expecting him back for their first game after the All-Star break on Feb. 23 against the Lakers, Wiggins missed that game and is staying away from the team.
Neither the Warriors nor Wiggins have given further details on his personal family affair. The Athletics Anthony Slater reported on Sunday that Wiggins is staying away from the team.
When will Andrew Wiggins return?
Steve Kerr spoke to reporters about Wiggin’s absence last Friday before Golden State’s game against the Rockets. He didn’t confirm a specific timeline for his return, simply saying, “If he’s ready to come back, he will come back.”
Without Wiggins, Curry, Draymond Green (knee), Andre Iguodala (hip) and Gary Payton II (abdominal), the Warriors have managed to stay afloat in a packed Western Conference. They are 31-30 and in 7th place, although both the Clippers are in 5th place and the Mavericks are in 6th place in the loss column. However, there is little room for error as they are also just 1.5 games ahead of Portland in 11th place. As it stands on Tuesday, just two losses separate the 4th seed and the 11th seed.
MORE: All the details on Draymond Green’s latest injury update
Warrior’s 2022-23 schedule
Here’s a look at Golden State’s upcoming schedule.
Fans in the US can catch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV, now offering HALF OFF for the first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN and ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 for the first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
SIGN UP FOR SLING: English | Spanish
| Date | Opponent | time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 28th | blazer | 22 O `clock | — |
| 2nd March | clippers | 22 O `clock | TNT |
| 3 March | pelicans | 22 O `clock | — |
| 5. March | at Lakers | 3:30 p.m | ABC |
| 7th March | at thunder | 8 p.m | — |
Andrew Wiggins stats this season
Here’s how Wiggins’ stats compare to last year’s All-Star season. As you can see, his performance was essentially at the level of the game that earned him an invite to the All-Star Weekend in 2022.
| 2021-22 | 2022-23 | |
| PPG | 17.2 | 17.1 |
| role playing game | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| APG | 2.2 | 2.3 |
| Stls PG | 1.0 | 1.2 |
| Blk’s PG | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| FG% | 46.6 | 47.3 |
| 3 FG% | 39.3 | 39.6 |
| missed games | 9 | 24 |