Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins questionable for Game 6 vs. Lakers with costal cartilage fracture

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins has been listed as questionable for Game 6 with a left costal cartilage (ribcage) fracture, the team announced Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:

Wiggins is averaging 16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists, shooting 37.7 percent from 3 in five games against the Lakers this series.
The 2015 Rookie of the Year played 36 minutes in Game 5, scoring a postseason-high 25 points.
Wiggins played 37 games during the regular season for the Warriors, the fewest in his career.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

When did this happen?

Wiggins crashed for an offensive rebound with about five minutes left, cracked LeBron James on a box out and first started grabbing at the left side of his rib cage. That’s where the injury appeared to occur. Wiggins spent the next several minutes grabbing at the injured area during stoppages. It didn’t slow him down much. Wiggins even had an in-traffic and-1 hook shot and crashed hard to the floor. But after hitting the free throw, he again grabbed at the rib cage on his way up the court. — Slater

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.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 12, 2023

What was he like after the game?

Wiggins was in noticeable pain after the game, holding his side at his locker and moving gingerly. He hit the cold tub and came out still visibly in pain, occasionally holding his left side. His spirits seemed to be fine and he still did his postgame interview. Wiggins usually takes most opportunities to get out of podium duty and an injury would’ve been a worthy reason. He could’ve also done it at his locker. But he made the trip up the stairs and to the interview room. Though in obvious pain, Wiggins, as he left the locker room, said he would be fine and that he expected to play. — Thompson

What does it mean for Game 6?

Assuming he plays, all eyes will be on Wiggins and Anthony Davis (dealing with a head injury) in the opening minutes. The Warriors actually have some history with this type of injury. Kevon Looney suffered a costal cartilage fracture early in the 2019 Finals after Kawhi Leonard trucked right through him on a drive. Looney missed Game 3 because of the injury but returned for Games 4, 5 and 6, playing with a padded flak jacket under his jersey. Wiggins may need something similar.

If he can handle the discomfort, he will get his normal 35-plus minutes. But if he is too impacted to be his normal self, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody and Donte DiVincenzo will shoulder greater responsibility. Jonathan Kuminga is also in Steve Kerr’s bullpen, should he ever choose to use the 6-foot-8 high-level athlete. — Slater