Andre Iguodala out for Game 7 of Western Conference Finals

A left leg contusion will force the former Wildcat to miss his fourth straight game

The Golden State Warriors are going to have to reach the NBA Finals without their glue guy.

Andre Iguodala will miss Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets on Monday due to a left leg contusion, head coach Steve Kerr announced.

It’s the fourth game in a row the former Arizona Wildcat has missed. Iguodala injured his leg in Game 3 after colliding with Rockets guard James Harden on a drive.

“He’s frustrated.” Kerr told reporters Monday. “If he could play he would play, but his body has not responded at this point. We’re still hoping that over the next few days if we are able to win tonight, he’ll make some improvement, but he has not gotten to where he needs to be.”

Iguodala’s absence is a big blow for the Warriors, who benefit from his all-around game. The Warriors’ net rating — offensive rating minus defensive rating — was +8.2 when Iguodala was on the court in the regular season, and it jumped to +11.1 in the postseason.

Golden State’s best lineup — nicknamed the “Death Lineup” — includes Iguodala, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green.

Iguodala’s defensive ability would be crucial for the Warriors against a Houston team that ranks No. 1 in offensive efficiency. But, alas, they will have to get the job done in Game 7 without him. However, it’s worth noting that the Rockets were without star point guard Chris Paul in Game 6, and he might not suit up Monday, as he is listed as a game-time decision.

Iguodala is averaging 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He averaged 6.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game during the regular season.

He is the only former Arizona Wildcat still playing in the postseason.

Game 7 starts at 6 p.m. PT on ESPN. The winner will face LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.

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