The 2022 Finals MVP is expected to return for the Warriors when Golden State takes on the Lakers on Sunday. So is the 2015 Finals MVP.
Big news for the Warriors: Both Steph Curry and Andre Iguodala are probable tomorrow against the Lakers. Appears as if they are getting both back.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 4, 2023
Steph Curry has been out since Feb. 4 with a lower left leg injury, while Andre Iguodala will be taking the court for the first time since Jan. 13 (assuming no setbacks). In what is expected to be his final season, Iguodala -- the league's second-oldest player -- has been hampered by injuries to both of his hips.
The Warriors survived Curry's absence in respectable style, going 7-4 in the games he missed. He will return to the lineup with Golden State rolling on an ongoing five-game winning streak. Golden State moved up to fifth place in the ultra-competitive Western Conference with their superstar out.
With Andrew Wiggins still out with family issues and Gary Payton II yet to play for the team, Iguodala could serve key functions off the bench for the defending champions now that he is returning to the fold.
The Andre Iguodala anticipated return on Sunday comes just as Anthony Lamb nears his 50-game limit. This will likely lead the Warriors to hold off on any immediate contract conversion.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 4, 2023
Getting Iguodala back to play some of Anthony Lamb's bench minutes postpones the Warriors' decision on their spare roster spot, soon to be vacated by Lester Quinones. Neither Lamb nor Ty Jerome can play in the postseason on a two-way contract, so Golden State has to choose which of them to convert to a standard NBA deal.
As long as Iguodala's hips hold up, they can hold off. And if Iguodala gets injured again, perhaps they'll choose both.
Curry and Iguodala are 22-3 in playoff series when they take the court together.
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