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The Golden State Warriors are poised to add some much-needed size for another matchup with the rival Memphis Grizzlies.
James Wiseman is currently listed as probable on the injury report for Wednesday's game after missing the last few weeks with a left ankle sprain, and told media on Tuesday that he expects to suit up against Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and company at Chase Center.
“James Wiseman says that even though the team didn’t scrimmage today, he’s been scrimmaging the past few days. He says he should be good to go tomorrow, but is taking it one day at a time,” Kendra Andrews of ESPN reports.
Wiseman initially injured his ankle while participating in 3-on-3 at practice prior to the Warriors' win over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 30th. He's been sidelined ever since, not only interrupting his subtle progress toward becoming an impactful NBA contributor, but leaving health-ravaged Golden State absent crucial depth up front.
It was announced last week that Wiseman would resume practice activities in “coming days.”
After Andrew Wiggins, Steph Curry, Jonathan Kuminga and JaMychal Green returned from lengthy absences earlier this month, the Warriors should be as close to full-strength against Memphis on Wednesday as they've been in months. Assuming Wiseman is active, Andre Iguodala will be the only member of Golden State's roster out on Wednesday, still dealing with soreness in his right hip.
Don't expect Wiseman to play much versus the Grizzlies, if at all.
He's firmly behind Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, Jonathan Kuminga and JaMychal Green in the Warriors' interior pecking order, and Steve Kerr's recent starting lineup change was made in part to get as much court time as possible with Draymond and Looney playing center. It's not like Wiseman has shown the physicality or help defense nuance needed to keep Steven Adams off the offensive glass or help contain Morant in ball-screen situations, either.
Regardless, his imminent availability will help the Warriors when the injury bug bites again, and is key to Wiseman ultimately taking the strides necessary to becoming a worthwhile rotation player.
