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Golden State Warriors receive huge boost for Game 1 v Kings

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors high-fives Andrew Wiggins #22 as he walks back to the bench during the fourth quarter of their game against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on December 03, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors high-fives Andrew Wiggins #22 as he walks back to the bench during the fourth quarter of their game against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on December 03, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors will be buoyed by the return of Andrew Wiggins on Saturday in Game 1 against the Sacramento Kings, with the 2021 All-Star forward cleared to return to the court according to the The Atletic’s Shams Charania.

However, Charania believes Wiggins won’t return in his customary role, stating, “Golden State is leaning toward Wiggins coming off the bench in a 20-to-25 minute playing time role.”

Andrew Wiggins has been cleared to play Game 1 against the Sacramento Kings having missed 25 games due to personal matters.

The decision to bring Wiggins off the bench would be an interesting one, particularly given he would have to reclaim his starting role at some point if the Warriors wish to go deep into this year’s playoffs.

It means that Donte DiVincenzo is likely to retain his spot in the starting lineup alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. With Jordan Poole and Gary Payton II also coming off the bench, starting DiVincenzo does provide a little better balance for Steve Kerr than having to manipulate minutes for all three backup guards.

Donte DiVincenzo has started in place of Andrew Wiggins to end the Golden State Warriors regular season. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Donte DiVincenzo has started in place of Andrew Wiggins to end the Golden State Warriors regular season. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) /

Wiggins hasn’t played in an NBA game since February 13 at Chase Center against the Washington Wizards, a game in which he produced 29 points, seven rebounds and four assists. The 28-year-old had never missed more than a dozen games in any of his previous eight years in the league, but played in just 37 of Golden State’s 82 games during this regular season.

How much Wiggins can impact the Warriors right away is the question at the forefront of everyone’s minds. The Canadian was arguably his team’s second-most important player in last year’s successful run to the title, but has never had to deal with, or return from the kind of absences he has this season.

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The confirmed return of Wiggins is only likely to increase Golden State’s favoritism in the series, despite having finished sixth and with Sacramento holding home court advantage. Tip-off for the highly-anticipated series is at 5:30 PT on Saturday night.

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