Golden State Warriors injury, roster rumors 2016: 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala likely sidelined for two weeks due to ankle woe

(Reuters)Golden State Warriors' Andre Iguodala talks to the media after being named the NBA Finals MVP following the Warriors' championship-clinching Game 6 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 16, 2015.

The defending National Basketball Association (NBA) champions Golden State Warriors have to exert more effort in their future games, with 2015 Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Andre Iguodala missing action because of an ankle issue. 

Iguodala sustained a sprain on his left ankle during the Warriors' 128–112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the Oracle Arena last Friday. According to ESPN, Blazers point guard Damian Lillard ended rolling on Iguodala's ankle while they were chasing a loose ball in the third quarter. 

The 32-year-old veteran stayed in the game for a visit at the charity stripe, before the Warriors gave up a foul for him to exit and head to the locker room. 

Iguodala already missed Saturday's 123–116 triumph over the Phoenix Suns and the injury is expected to keep him out for two weeks. 

It is a huge setback for Golden State since the former ninth overall pick (2004) is a reliable contributor off the bench. In 60 games (one start) played this season, Iguodala is averaging 7.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in 26.8 minutes of action per contest.

However, to view the situation in a positive light, the absence of Iguodala grants fellow bench players like Brandon Rush and Ian Clark extra playing time as he continues his way to recovery. 

The Warriors are chasing the '95–'96 Chicago Bulls' record of 72–10 and are on track of topping the feat. They are currently at 59–6 to lead the Western Conference and the entire NBA. 

Last month, Golden State already clinched a playoff berth and now, also the Pacific Division. 

The Warriors are aiming to extend their home winning streak to 50 games when they stay at the Oracle Arena for their next two outings. 

Today, Monday, the Dubs will battle against the New Orleans Pelicans before finishing a six-game home stand with an inter-conference collision versus the New York Knicks on Wednesday. 

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