Andrew Wiggins family matters: Warriors GM gives updates on return, reason for not playing

Andrew Wiggins missed his sixth straight game for the Warriors on Thursday against the Clippers.

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. Per the Warriors most recent injury report released on Thursday, Wiggins remains out. 

Although their wing stopper is missing, the Warriors are slowly rounding into shape as they eagerly await the return of several key players. 

Draymond Green returned to the lineup on Tuesday against the Trail Blazers after missing two games with a knee contusion. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday that Stephen Curry is targeting a return next week as he continues to work his way back from a lower leg injury. Curry — who scrimmaged earlier this week with the Warriors’ G-League team — has not played since early February. Along with Gary Payton II and Andre Iguodala, the Warriors have been playing long stretches without roughly half of its projected playoff rotation.

Outside of Curry, no piece is more important than Wiggins.

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 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 remains away from the team and 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 Warriors included Wiggins on their injury report on Thursday, listing him out against the Clippers for personal reasons. As reported earlier in the week by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Wiggins remains away from the team.

When will Andrew Wiggins return?

Warriors GM Bob Myers joined Bay Area radio on 95.7 The Game on Thursday to shed some light on when he might be back. And while no return is imminent, Myers doesn’t expect Wiggins to miss the rest of the season.

“I don’t think that’s what anybody is planning for. But we’ll leave that in its own place. That’s not the expectation. I think what you’re asking is — could he remain out for a long, long time? I don’t think that’s happening. I’m going to leave that alone. Hopefully when he gets back, whatever words he would like to say on it, which I don’t think will be much — it’s his private life — he will do.”

Without Wiggins, Curry, Iguodala (hip) and Payton II (abdomen), the Warriors have managed to stay afloat in a jam-packed Western Conference. They are 33-30 and now in 5th place after moving up two spots following the huge win over the Clippers at home where they are 26-7. The four-game win streak has opened up a little breathing room as they now sit two games in the loss column clear of the dreaded play-in.

MORE: Full details on Draymond Green’s latest injury update

Warriors schedule 2022-23

The Warriors have a tough slate in March. The next month’s schedule includes games against the Clippers (2x), Bucks, Suns, Mavericks and Grizzlies (2x). Following their fourth straight win on Thursday against the Clippers, the Warriors return to action on Friday against the Pelicans in the second game of a back-to-back.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.

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Here’s a look at Golden State’s upcoming schedule.

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.

Wiggins’ return will play a vital factor in whether or not the Warriors can avoid the play-in and potentially secure home court in the first round.