OKC Thunder center Steven Adams and two Jazz players are dealing with concussions, but news Donovan Mitchell is out surprised. Heading to tip at least one concussed player is confirmed in, one out, and JUST UPDATED Steven Adams will play.
Hours prior to a pivotal Northwest rivalry game the most important news for the OKC Thunder was waiting to hear was whether Steven Adams would pass the concussion protocol test. As of 6:38 Royce Young confirms he will in fact suit up and start.
Adams has missed the past two games and five days of action since sustaining a blow to the head last Friday December 15th.
As per Royce Young – Adams was practicing with the squad. While there is no official word yet (SEE UPDATE) it is encouraging the center was wearing his ‘starter’ jersey.
This is typical for the OKC Thunder who often won’t announce any news until a half hour prior to tip via the coaches comments.
Jazz Injury Notes:
Unlike the Thunder their opponent the Utah Jazz were far more forthcoming. First of all it looks like Derrick Favors who took a hit to the face (also in the Celtics game) and sustained his own concussion is listed as probable for tonight. Favors missed the past two games.
In yet a third concussion scenario, Raul Neto is slated to miss his fifth game in a row as he progresses through the NBA’s concussion protocol.
It was a given Dante Exum (shoulder) and Rudy Gobert (knee) would remain out. Yet the big news out of Utah and arguably the most costly for the Jazz is high scorer Donovan Mitchell will miss his first professional game. The rookie is suffering from a contusion to his toe.
Whether coincidence or irony the TIP3 spoke to Jared Woodcox of FanSided Affiliate the J-Notes today to inquire if the Jazz are suffering from yin to the Celtics’ Leprechaun luck.
Could the Jazz be cursed or jinx? Check out the TIP3 for a very elucidating and honest opinion from Woodcox on this issue.
Next: J-Notes Woodcox talks injury jinx, glue guy Ingles, Rubio's fit
We’ll update here as we get clarification on Steven Adams, but perhaps news the rookie sniper is out will afford Billy Donovan the ability to exercise further patience regarding Steven Adams playing. Certainly, as players garner concussions for the second or multiple times, it becomes far more important to use caution.
Injury Update: Donovan Mitchell confirmed out, Favors probable, no word on Steven Adams