The Golden State Warriors will be without forward Andre Iguodala for the team’s season opener against the Houston Rockets due to a back strain, ESPN’s Marc Spears reports.
The Warriors say Andre Iguodala (back) is out tonight versus Rockets.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 17, 2017
Iguodala was previously deemed questionable to play due to that bad back, which has been an issue for him in the past few years. The Warriors likely didn’t feel confident enough in their star sixth man’s health to risk him potentially further aggravating the injury during the opener.
After just signing a three-year, $48 million contract in the offseason, the Warriors are likely taking a more long-term approach toward their prized veteran with the goal of keeping him healthy deeper into the season.
Iguodala, 33, averaged 7.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 76 games last year. However, those averages jumped up in four meetings with the Rockets as he averaged 10.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 32 minutes, the most he averaged against any opponent last season.
While the Warriors will be without Iguodala against Houston, they will have forward Omri Casspi on their bench and available to play despite dealing with an ankle injury.
Casspi should provide minutes backing up Kevin Durant at small forward in Iguodala’s absence. Fellow newcomer Nick Young could also potentially see time on the wing along with second-year player Patrick McCaw.
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