David Chao, MD
2 min read • May 12, 2023
Posted in
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is questionable for a must-win Game 6 with a rib injury he suffered in the closing minutes of Wednesday’s Game 5 victory over the Lakers.
Wiggins will require a pain-numbing rib block injection to play through the issue, according to the Pro Basketball Docs. Cartilage fractures are more painful than rib bone fractures.
The 28-year-old Wiggins showed discomfort with his injured rib area several times late in the win.
Without the pain-numbing injection, the issue will be extremely difficult to play through and will limit his effectiveness.
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton appeared to suffer a similar injury in Game 5 of the series against Denver. Ayton and the team did not opt for a pain-numbing injection and he missed Game 6.
Whether Wiggins and the Warriors will opt for the pain-numbing injection is the situation to watch ahead of Game 6 in Los Angeles.
Team doctors don’t go on the road during the regular season, but they do during the playoffs meaning Golden State will be equipped to administer the injection for Wiggins.
Whether he opts to take it is a separate issue.
Wiggins was hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the 2021 season, but finally opted for it ahead of the season. After winning the NBA title, Wiggins said he still regretted getting the vaccine.
The former No. 1 overall draft pick is averaging 17.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 12 postseason games this year. He’s shot 46.8% from the field and 31.1% from 3-point range.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis is another situation to watch, but he appears on track to play despite exiting Game 5 after an elbow to the side of his head from Kevon Looney.
The Warriors are 2.5-point underdogs in Los Angeles for Game 6 and the over/under is 221, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Lakers are -225 to win the series, while Golden State is +188.
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Written by David Chao, MD
Andrew Wiggins appeared to first show rib discomfort after this box out crack of LeBron James in the middle of the fourth quarter. Kept grabbing at his ribs the next few minutes. Costal cartilage fracture. His Game 6 status is in question. Here is a look.
