Warriors center James Wiseman, who missed the last nine games with a sprained left wrist, could return at some point during the team’s upcoming four-game trip, the team announced Thursday.
The Warriors play Friday in Orlando and Saturday in Charlotte before traveling to New York on Tuesday and Indiana Wednesday. In addition to Wiseman, center Kevon Looney is expected to return during the East Coast swing from a sprained left ankle — most likely against the Knicks or Pacers.
Getting both big men back will be a boost for the Warriors, who have been relying exclusively on small-ball lineups featuring 6-foot-6 forwards Draymond Green, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Eric Paschall in the front court. Green was a late scratch for Wednesday night’s overtime win against the Miami Heat, but is expected to rejoin the team Friday in Orlando.
Despite the lack of size, the Warriors have found success winning four of their last five games and posting the fifth-fastest pace and second-best net rating during that span. Two-way contract player Toscano-Anderson has earned a regular role in the rotation, and head coach Steve Kerr plans to find stretches during games when he can play Green at center even with Wiseman and Looney back in the rotation.
Where Wiseman, the 7-footer Golden State selected second overall in November’s draft, and Looney will help is on the offensive glass. Playing without a center in the last eight games, the Warriors have given up the fifth-most offensive rebounds to opponents.
Wiseman injured his wrist on a dunk attempt in a Jan. 30 win over the Pistons, while Looney has been sidelined since a Feb. 2 loss against the Celtics.
