Warriors’ Andre Iguodala ruled out for Game 1 vs. Cleveland

Warriors' Andre Iguodala talks to the media during a practice session on May 11, 2018. Warriors' Andre Iguodala talks to the media during a practice session on May 11, 2018. Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close Warriors’ Andre Iguodala ruled out for Game 1 vs. Cleveland 1 / 7 Back to Gallery

Warriors forward Andre Iguodala has been ruled out for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night against Cleveland with a left lateral leg contusion/bone bruise.

After missing the last four games of the Western Conference finals, Iguodala, 34, was evaluated by Golden State’s medical staff on Tuesday. The Warriors announced that he "is making progress; however, the pain that accompanies the bone bruise persists, as does inflammation of the nerve surrounding his left knee."

Iguodala’s absence is a significant blow to a team chasing its third NBA title in four years. In addition to being a steadying force for Golden State’s offense, he is the team’s best defensive option on LeBron James. After the Warriors lost two of their first three games in the 2015 NBA finals to Cleveland, head coach Steve Kerr put Iguodala in the starting lineup. Golden State won out as he helped hold James to just 39.8 percent shooting for the series.

With Iguodala out, Kevon Looney figures to stay in the Warriors’ starting lineup for Game 1. There is no simple replacement, however, for Iguodala defensively. Draymond Green could guard James, but that would keep Green from doing what he does best: help-side defense. Putting Kevin Durant on James would leave Durant with less energy to shoulder a heavy offensive load.

Iguodala will have two off days to try to get healthy for Game 2 on Sunday.

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Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @Con_Chron