Andrew Bogut Injury: Updates on Warriors Center's Back

Injuries have followed Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut throughout his career, and the big man will now miss time due to back spasms.

UPDATE: Monday, Mar. 4, at 9:58 p.m. ET by Justin Onslow

After missing time with a disk protrusion in his back, center Andrew Bogut will be back on the floor against the Raptors, as reported on Golden State's official Twitter account:

---End of update---

UPDATE: Monday, Mar. 4, at 2:23 p.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Encouraging news for Warriors fans as Andrew Bogut (back) is making progress and will be a game-time decision for tomorrow night's game, the team announced today.

---End of update---

UPDATE: Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 8:09 a.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Andrew Bogut (back) will not play tonight against the Pacers, according to Oakland Tribune's Marcus Thompson II via the Miami Herald.

"

Warriors center Andrew Bogut will not play Tuesday at Indiana. He is still in the Bay Area getting treatment for the disk protrusion in the middle of his back.

"

---End of update---

The San Francisco Chronicle’s Rusty Simmons reported the news via Twitter:

"

Andrew bogut won't play tonight and is out indefinitely with back spasms, according to Mark Jackson.

"

Simmons also noted that this is not the first time Bogut has dealt with back issues:

The Warriors acquired Bogut last season in a trade that sent shooting guard Monta Ellis to the Milwaukee Bucks. When the former No. 1 overall pick came to Golden State, he was recovering from a broken ankle.

That injury forced him to miss significant time this season, and he has currently appeared in just 12 games. In those contests, he is averaging 22.5 minutes of playing time and putting up 7.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.58 blocks. 

When healthy, Bogut is an extremely effective force down low. He is skilled around the rim and is an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker. 

His best year was during the 2009-10 season with the Bucks, when he averaged 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 69 games. Unfortunately, Bogut has not played a full 82-game schedule since he was a rookie.

In Bogut’s absence, Festus Ezeli—a rookie out of Vanderbilt—has seen 14.9 minutes of playing time per night at center. Andris Biedrins has also been used down low, but All-Star power forward David Lee has been tasked with picking up most of the slack.

He has answered the call and is averaging 10.8 rebounds per night, although he is not much of a factor in post defense. 

The Warriors are currently in position to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2006-07 season but recently suffered through a six-game losing streak. Bogut would be a massive help for the team as it tries to shore up a postseason spot, and fans in the Bay Area will be hoping to see him back on the court soon.