While the basketball world is waiting on a healthy recovery from Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors are dealing with other injuries on their roster.
Marquese Chriss missed the Warriors contest against the New Orleans Pelicans with a calf injury, yet was able to return against the Sacramento Kings. Draymond Green was absent for the past two games with a pelvic contusion, but is scheduled to play against the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, as Green and Chriss return, the Warriors will lose a different starter due to injury.
Andrew Wiggins will miss his first game as a member of the Warriors with upper back spasms.
Warriors announce that Andrew Wiggins is a late scratch vs Lakers tonight with an upper back spasm.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 28, 2020
Before the trade deadline with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wiggins missed eight games this season due to a thumb injury and an illness.
However, the Kansas Jayhawk product hasn’t missed many games since being drafted first overall in 2014. Leading up to the 2019-20 season, Wiggins has played over 80 games four times in his career.
Without Wiggins, the Warriors will start Dragan Bender alongside Green, Chriss, Jordan Poole and Damion Lee.
Tonight’s Starting Lineups: pic.twitter.com/GejHa5IUMZ
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) February 28, 2020
In two games with Golden State, Bender has totaled six points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Croatian forward has shot 2-of-7 from beyond the arc with the Warriors.
The 22-year-old began the 2019-20 season with the Milwaukee Bucks and did not make a start. Bender hasn’t started a game since he was a member of the Phoenix Suns in 2019.
On a 10-day contract, an opportunity to start could have an impact on Bender’s future with the Warriors.