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Kendra Andrews, ESPN
SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins will return to the court for Wednesday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks after missing the past four games.
After tending to a personal family matter that took him away for a week, Wiggins flew back to the Bay Area on Monday. He returned to team facilities on Tuesday and was a full participant in practice, clearing the way for him to play, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.
“I had to take care of what I had to take care of, be present for that and then when I think it’s an appropriate time to come back, that’s what I felt like,” Wiggins said after practice on Tuesday. “I’m back here with the team and ready to get to it.”
While he was away, Wiggins stayed in touch with Kerr, as well as head team trainer Rick Celebrini.
On Tuesday, Wiggins’ said the events that caused him to miss time haven’t been completely resolved, but he is taking it day by day.
The Warriors went 3-1 during Wiggins’ absence. His first game back on Wednesday is the first of a three-games-in-four-nights homestand. Kerr said it’s likely that Wiggins will take back his spot in the starting lineup, moving Moses Moody back to the bench.
“Moses will continue to get time,” Kerr said. “He’s earned it. He has really been so professional since the day he’s walked in this building … I’m excited to continue to get him some minutes.”
Wiggins also missed 25 games last season due to a personal matter before returning for the playoffs.
“I don’t care about the basketball. Life is way more important than the game,” Kerr said. “The main thing is if any of our players have a life situation where they need to be with their family, then that’s where they’re going to be.”
In 51 games this season, Wiggins is averaging 12.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in 27.2 minutes for Golden State.