Warriors: Andre Iguodala is Doubtful for Game 4 vs Rockets
By Andrew Ites
The only thing that can slow the Warriors down is an injury, and they will likely be without one of their starters in Game 4.
The Warriors decided to start their Death Lineup (aka The Hamptons Five) in Game 4 against the Pelicans, and they’ve been nearly unstoppable since that lineup change.
Golden State will now be forced to go with a more conventional lineup on Tuesday night as Andre Iguodala is doubtful with knee soreness, according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
Slater reports that Iguodala suffered a left knee contusion after a collision with James Harden, and the pain worsened overnight after the Warriors’ blowout victory in Game 3.
Iguodala has been banged up with various nagging injuries all season long, and it looks like this soreness will cause him to miss a crucial playoff game.
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The Warriors were already thin on the wing with a healthy Andre Iguodala, but now their rotations will be severely limited if he is unable to play in Game 4.
Steve Kerr will likely insert Kevon Looney into the starting lineup as he has already shown trust in him throughout the playoffs, and Looney has handled a difficult defensive assignment extremely well in this series.
With Looney slotting in at the center position, Draymond Green will move down to power forward and Kevin Durant will start at the small forward position.
The Warriors will likely be forced to play Nick Young more minutes as him and Shaun Livingston will be the only viable wings off the bench.
Quinn Cook will probably see an increase in playing time, and Kerr may have to turn to some bigger lineups on Tuesday night.
Andre Iguodala has been hot and cold during this postseason run, but he’s an essential piece of how the Warriors like to play. Losing him for Game 4 is a major blow to a Golden State team that looked to be firing on all cylinders.