Andre Iguodala will sit out Wednesday night when the Golden State Warriors take on the Toronto Raptors, according to Mark Medina of the Bay Area News Group. The Warriors are citing “right hip tightness” as the reason for Iguodala's absence.
This is unfortunate news because the matchup between the Warriors and Raptors could be an NBA Finals preview. Iguodala isn't as important as the starters on Golden State, but he plays a key role off the bench. Although he doesn't fill up the box score night in and night out, Iguodala's presence as a defensive stopper shouldn't be overlooked.
Without Iguodala's defensive versatility, the Warriors never would have been able to use their early “death lineup,” which was key towards the franchise's championship in 2015.
Iguodala's absence should not come as a huge shock. The small forward turns 35 in January, so expect head coach Steve Kerr to remain cautious with Iguodala. Giving the veteran nights off as the season goes on is one way to keep him fresh for the eventual playoff run.
Even without Iguodala in the lineup, the Raptors will have their hands full on Wednesday. Draymond Green and Stephen Curry are back in the lineup. There's a legitimate possibility that the Warriors come out and make a statement against the Raptors.
Furthermore, DeMarcus Cousins looks like his return to the NBA is imminent. Golden State is starting to look like itself again.
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