Warriors vs. Pelicans: Kevin Durant, Iguodala, Bogut Out For The Game

The Golden State Warriors locked in the top spot in the Western Conference with a 131-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. It was the final game of the regular season at the Oracle Arena with their next two games coming on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr played a full strength team for the final game at home against Clippers to ensure there were no hiccups in securing top spot ahead of second-placed Denver Nuggets, who were close behind.

Kerr now has the option to change his lineup for the remaining two games and give much-needed rest to his key players ahead of the playoffs which will begin on April 13. The Warriors will have two or three days before beginning its seven-game series against the Clippers and the head coach will be keen to ensure his five All-Stars and key bench players are well rested.

The Warriors confirmed that Kevin Durant will be absent for the team’s trip to New Orleans for the game on Tuesday with the small forward being rested. It remains unclear if he will join the playing squad in Memphis for the final regular season game.

Apart from Durant, Andre Bogut, the former Warrior recently signed from the Australian basketball league, will also be rested. While Andre Iguodala and Damian Jones will miss out due to left toe soreness and left pectoral surgery respectively.

“Injury report for tomorrow night's game at New Orleans: Andrew Bogut (rest), Kevin Durant (rest), Andre Iguodala (left toe soreness) and Damian Jones (left pectoral surgery) are out,” Warriors confirmed via a statement.

Iguodala will be missing his fourth straight game and that normally would be a cause for concern as he is a vital cog in Kerr’s team, but his absence is said to be more precautionary rather than it being a serious injury.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and DeMarcus Cousins are expected to start the game against the Pelicans, and at least three of them are likely to be rested for the game against the Grizzlies on Wednesday.