Kings playoffs scenarios: Potential first-round matchup with Andrew Wiggins and Warriors

All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins is nearing a return after a lengthy absence, maybe just in time for Friday’s game and a potential first-round playoff series against the Kings.

The Kings (47-30) will visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday before coming home to face the Warriors on Friday at Golden 1 Center. The Kings can clinch the Pacific Division championship and no less than the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with one more win or one loss by the Phoenix Suns.

The Warriors are sixth in the West with three games remaining. The Kings will likely face the No. 6 seed in the first round of the playoffs, which are scheduled to begin April 15.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Monday that Wiggins is rejoining the team after missing the past 22 games due to personal reasons. Wiggins reportedly has been away from the team while his father has been dealing with a serious medical situation.

Wiggins won’t play in Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he is expected to be in attendance. There was some speculation that Wiggins could return to action when the Warriors visit the Kings on Friday.

Wiggins hasn’t played since Feb. 13. He has appeared in 37 games this season, averaging 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals.

Here’s where the Kings stand as they prepare to make their first playoff appearance since 2006.

Current seed: No. 3

The Kings are third in the West, two games behind the No. 2 Memphis Grizzlies and four games ahead of the No. 4 Phoenix Suns with four games remaining. The Kings will clinch the No. 3 seed and the Pacific Division championship with one more win or one more loss by the Suns.

First-round matchup: Golden State Warriors

If the playoffs started today, the Kings would play the No. 6 seed, the Warriors, in the first round. The Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans are other potential first-round opponents. Those four teams are separated by a half-game entering the final week of the regular season.

Homecourt advantage: Yes.

The Kings have clinched homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs, which begin April 15. They will play Game 1 of their first-round series at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. The seven-game series will have a 2-2-1-1-1 format with the first two games being played in Sacramento, the next two games being played on the road and alternating sites for the last three games.

Tickets: Are they available?

Tickets for Game 1 of Sacramento’s first-round playoff series haven’t officially gone on sale yet. However, StubHub, a ticket exchange and resale company, has tickets listed for sale with prices ranging from $351 for standing room only to $5,000 for the lower bowl. The Kings say purchasing a 2023-24 season ticket membership is the best way to get priority access to home playoff games. The Kings are also offering fans a chance to sign up for presale access through a free subscription to Kings Insider emails.