Golden State Warriors set for imminent boost on current homestand

The Golden State Warriors are set for a major boost with forward Andrew Wiggins on the brink of returning from an adductor strain.

Prior to the team’s five-point win over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed Wiggins has been cleared to play following his adductor strain but that he remains out with illness.

The anticipated return of Andrew Wiggins will be sure to boost the Golden State Warriors amid their current eight-game homestand.

According to Kerr, Golden State had set Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz as the target date for Wiggins’ return. Instead, the 27-year-old’s absence will extend to a 12th straight game.

"“Unfortunately he’s sick now. He’s been cleared to play but he’s not in the building tonight because he came down ill yesterday. Will be out tonight and tomorrow…hopefully he gets better quickly but we’ll see how he’s doing”, Kerr said."

Wiggins would have been a welcome return for the matchup with Utah given Golden State will be even further undermanned. Post the Hornets win, Kerr said Klay Thompson was ‘doubtful’ but didn’t completely rule out the 32-year-old from playing in his first back-to-back since returning from his major injuries last season. When asked whether he’d play against the Jazz, Thompson responded in classic fashion, “hope so but the training staff, it’s up to them. It would be fun though.”

Wiggins has averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds on 51.1% shooting and 45% from three-point range in 22 games this season. He’s been sorely missed as Golden State have gone 4-7 without him, although the youngsters have stepped up in back-to-back wins at home.

The Warriors will be hoping to regain the former number one overall pick when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. Superstar Stephen Curry is likely to miss the entire eight-game homestand as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.