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The Golden State Warriors will face the Houston Rockets tonight at 7:30 p.m. PST at Oracle Arena to kick off the 2017-18 NBA regular season.
Unfortunately, they'll be doing it without veteran wing Andre Iguodala, who is recovering from a back strain suffered during the preseason that also caused him to miss the Warriors' preseason finale as well.
Injury update for tonight's game: Omri Casspi (mild right ankle sprain) is available to play. Andre Iguodala (back strain) is out.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) October 17, 2017
Iguodala's absence should give Steve Kerr and the Warriors' coaching staff ample time to play their younger talents on their deep bench.
Iguodala's absence tonight vs Rockets leaves open wing minutes for Nick Young, Patrick McCaw and Omri Casspi, who will play.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 17, 2017
This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise as the NBA's opening day rosters release, which was released yesterday, listed Iguodala as inactive.
Omri Casspi, who left the preseason finale against the Sacramento Kings with an apparent ankle injury, is available to play and will probably have a shot to play against a team that will probably try to push the tempo and thus demand numerous substitutions.
In more pleasant news, fans at the game will receive a commemorative shirt for the championship ring ceremony, which is yet another reminder that we really have to take some time to enjoy this prosperous period of Warriors' history.
Fans coming to the game tonight will receive one of these t-shirts. #Warriors pic.twitter.com/393ukioYm3
— John Dickinson (@JDJohnDickinson) October 18, 2017
As long-time fans know well, nothing is guaranteed. So come join the next step of this journey with us in the comments!