The defending champion Golden State Warriors could be a bit shorthanded during their season opener against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Omri Casspi is probable to play despite dealing with an ankle injury, while Andre Iguodala is questionable with a back strain, ESPN’s Chris B. Haynes reports.
Golden State forward Omri Casspi (ankle) probable, forward Andre Iguodala (back strain) questionable for season opener against Houston.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 16, 2017
The 33-year-old Iguodala’s back issues are nothing new. The former Finals MVP has dealt with them in the past, but the Warriors may not want to risk a key part of their rotation if he’s not quite at 100 percent.
Meanwhile, Casspi has been making a strong first impression with the Warriors upon his arrival this offseason. He’s given fellow newcomer Nick Young a run for his money in their little competition for a regular rotation spot on the wing.
Should one or both bench players miss out, it’ll be an immediate test of head coach Steve Kerr’s claim that he is comfortable with playing anyone on his 15-man roster.
The Warriors should still have sufficient depth to cope without the two. Kevin Durant can obviously play more minutes at small forward if needed, while second-year Patrick McCaw has shown he can fill in capably on the wing.
However, their ability to play small to match up better with a fast-paced Rockets team will be limited if Andre Iguodala and/or Omri Casspi can’t play or are not able to go at full capacity.
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