OKC Thunder get encouraging news on the injury front: Westbrook, Ferguson, Nader
By Rylan Stiles
The OKC Thunder start their season on Tuesday and got some encouraging news on the injury report Sunday.
For the OKC Thunder, the injury report has been stacked all preseason. Entering their last match, Russell Westbrook, Andre Roberson, Terrance Ferguson, and Abdel Nader were all listed on the injury sheet. Roberson, is out until at least December.
However, for the other three guys, they may not miss any regular season action.
Russell Westbrook missed all of training camp, and preseason following a knee scope. According to Thunder head coach Billy Donovan Russ is “progressing”. Westbrook continues to participate in controlled contact practices. This news remains status quo as the star point guard hasn’t seen full contact yet with two days until season start. That can be a cause for concern. However, the longer we do not get a report saying Westbrook is not playing, the more fans should think he will.
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Terrance Ferguson was in concussion protocol since Tuesday, when he sustained a hit to the head in the final preseason Hawks contest. Fortunately, the second year guard passed the concussion base line tests the past two mornings. That’s a good sign he will be available against the Warriors in OKC’s season opener.
Ferguson may get the starting nod Tuesday night. However, if Ferguson faces minute restrictions maybe Donovan elects to start Alex Abrines or even rookie Hamidou Diallo in his place.
Abdel Nader, like Westbrook, missed all of the preseason action. Good news on this front as Nader is practicing since late this week and facing more contact each day. Nader dealt with knee soreness all month. Fans are chomping at the bit to see the 25 year old play.
Last year with the Celtics, Nader had a solid per 36 line. 10 points, four rebounds, a steal, and an assist per 36 minutes. From deep, Nader shot 35 percent a year ago.
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