Injuries might just end the Oklahoma City Thunder this season as they try to make a push for the playoffs. Most notably Russell Westbrook missed a bunch of games, Kevin Durant has been in and out of the active/inactive list and even Steven Adams was out for a while.
Now there might be a knockout blow to the Thunder’s playoff hopes. Serge Ibaka’s knee injury might do them in and he might miss the start of the NBA playoffs, if they do make it.
Following is an official statement by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“After monitoring the soreness in Serge’s knee and having taken several intermediate steps to assess and manage the discomfort, it was determined that the necessary next step in the evaluation was to see a specialist to discuss options to help alleviate the soreness and swelling he had been experiencing,” said Thunder GM Sam Presti in a statement. “During the consultation with Dr. David Altchek, his recommendation, in agreement with Thunder medical personnel, Serge and his representatives, was for Serge to have arthroscopic surgery to remedy the problematic area.”
Adams and Westbrook are back but Durant is still a little bit away from coming back. Ibaka’s long term health will be good but for the immediate future, it’s not a good sign for the Thunder team. They continue to exchange wins and losses, including last night when Westbrook tried to put his team on his back with no luck as they lost to the Dallas Mavericks. Westbrook has played stellar as of late but it might not be enough. He’ll need elevated play from some new team members like Kyle Singler and Enes Kanter along with Steven Adams to help him lead this Thunder team to some victories as they fight for the playoffs.
The New Orleans Pelicans are breathing right down the neck of the Thunder and they aren’t letting up. With Anthony Davis leading the Pelicans, they won’t be going down easy especially considering ‘The Brow’ and his unprecedented play.
