Andre Iguodala may miss Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets due to left knee soreness, according to Cricket Exchange. While his stat line of 8.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game through the first three games may not turn heads, his impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable. Iguodala underwent an X-ray after bumping knees with James Harden in Game 3, which revealed no major damage, but his soreness intensified overnight, forcing him to miss practice and be listed as day-to-day.

Offensively, Iguodala serves as a crucial glue guy for the Golden State Warriors. Defensively, his absence presents a major blow—especially against a Rockets team driven by Harden and Chris Paul. In the first three games, Iguodala guarded Harden on 26 possessions, limiting him to just 1-of-5 shooting. He held Paul to 4-of-11 shooting and 0-of-6 from deep over 30 possessions. Kevon Looney, though a strong interior defender, has been exploited by Houston’s backcourt due to slower foot speed, particularly when switching onto Harden, who shot 4-of-7 when matched up against him.

Without Iguodala, the Warriors’ rotation becomes thinner and less versatile. Game 4 will still be held at Oracle Arena, where the Warriors boast a dominant 16-game postseason win streak. For Houston, tying the series on the road won’t be a walk in the park—even with Iguodala sidelined. Golden State’s core four—Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green—remain an imposing force. Since Durant joined the team, the Warriors have never lost more than one game in a playoff series, consistently finishing opponents in four or five games.

The Rockets were humiliated in Game 3, suffering a 41-point loss—the worst playoff defeat in franchise history. Many analysts now project a 1–4 series exit. However, Iguodala’s absence could provide Houston with a much-needed opening. If he sits out, Nick Young or Quinn Cook may be promoted to the starting lineup. While both offer offensive punch, neither can replace Iguodala’s defensive presence.

Coach Steve Kerr may also tweak the lineup by inserting Looney as the starting center and shifting Green to the four. This boosts physicality but compromises mobility. Notably, Iguodala’s passing and spacing helped open the floor for Curry’s Game 3 explosion. His ability to act as both a facilitator and a spot-up shooter often breaks scoring droughts and keeps the offense fluid.

Fans often joke that Iguodala “saves himself” during the regular season, only to shine when the playoffs arrive. At 34, he remains one of the league’s most underrated defenders, capable of switching onto elite scorers and disrupting their rhythm. According to Cricket Exchange data, the Warriors have seven playoff lineups that outscore opponents by 10+ points per 100 possessions—every single one includes Iguodala.

Despite being a Finals MVP and a key figure in the Warriors’ “Death Lineup,” Iguodala is often overshadowed by the star power of Curry, Durant, Thompson, and Green. Yet his role is foundational. If he’s forced to sit, it could tilt the balance just enough to give the Rockets a fighting chance in a series that suddenly feels more unpredictable.