Oklahoma City can’t appear to catch a break this season.
From after the NBA Draft to Friday night time in Memphis, the Thunder have continued to be tormented by poorly timed accidents.
It started with Chet Holmgren who’s unable to play this season as a result of a Lisfranc damage he suffered throughout an offseason pro-am. Lu Dort has been harm, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed time within the preseason. Josh Giddey has missed time and so has Jalen Williams amongst a bunch of others.
Now Aleksej Pokusevski will miss time for the second time this season. Pokusevski first missed a few video games earlier in November as a result of a shoulder ailment.
Then on Friday night time in Memphis whereas OKC was closing out a week-long street journey, Pokusevski suffered a left ankle sprain and didn’t return to the sport.
It’s probably he’ll miss some motion, however the extent and the size of the damage received’t be recognized instantly. However, the Thunder lineup will miss him.
He’s proven immense strides at instances at first a part of the season. The 7-footer is utilized as the first rim protector for OKC when on the court docket. Pokusevski leads the Thunder in blocks per recreation with 1.9 and with the Thunder’s small lineup it has confirmed large for the group total.
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The Serbian prospect is averaging 9.8 factors, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per recreation this season.
Without the 20-year-old third 12 months participant, a distinct OKC massive might want to rise to the event, however the choices aren’t deep when it comes to selections. Mike Muscala hasn’t spent a lot time on the court docket and isn’t a real NBA massive man in his enjoying fashion. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl whereas sturdy lacks size down low to be a premier shot-blocker or rim protector.
While each of these gamers will definitely assist OKC fill the void for nonetheless lengthy Pokusevski is out, which shouldn’t be a long run downside, each could have hurdles to beat.
Jaylin Williams, OKC’s second spherical choice on this 12 months’s draft, might additionally see time again with the NBA squad after spending time with the G League Blue.
While Pokusevski isn’t anticipated to be a long run absence as a result of his ankle damage, his absence nonetheless raises issues for an OKC group who’s simply two video games under .500 on the season.
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