Wilson Chandler did not play Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns but is targeting a return Friday against the Utah Jazz.
“More than likely,” Chandler said.
The forward has been dealing with soreness in his left groin. It’s an injury he said initially occurred before the all-star break and has lingered since. He’s missed two games because of it to let it heal but says he’s not worried about any long-term effects and expects to be back at full strength soon.
“Nah,” Chandler said when asked about the injury’s seriousness. “It’s a light strain.”
Chandler has been remarkably healthy the majority of this season. Including Wednesday, he has missed only three games this season and is on track to meet his goal of playing in 75 games, which would be the second-highest of his career.
“Seeing how the season is going, it’s been the highlight of my season,” Chandler said. “People on the outside looking in really don’t know, if you’ve never been hurt, how great it is to be healthy. So, for me having four surgeries, to be healthy for a full season is great. I haven’t felt my hip all season. There’s been no crazy soreness except for general soreness, but that’s nothing that’s going to keep me out for a long time. I’m feeling pretty good about my health.”
He credits a full summer of rehab and a layered training regimen for his durability.
“And then just keeping on top of it,” he said. “Because the way the season is going, it’s easy to get off track and start doing other type of stuff. But just to keep my health and get better in these last few games and get ready for next season … I’m going to do the same type of regiment in the summertime.”
