The OKC Thunder will be playing without Steven Adams for only the sixth time this season. Will it affect tonight’s outcome?
Buckle up folks – Steven Adams is out tonight with an Australopithecus afarensis injury that he suffered in last night’s win against Sacramento. What exactly does that mean? Thanks to Steven we’re not really sure, other then yesterday’s in-game report that it’s a hip contusion.
Injuries are never welcomed. Still, this is probably the best opportunity for the Big Kiwi to get some much-deserved rest.
After tonight’s game 10 of OKC’s next 11 are against teams currently in the Playoffs. The Thunder shouldn’t need Adams to beat this tanking Hawks team, especially with the recent news that Kent Bazemore is out for the season. It makes sense to rest him now, even if he could potentially go, solely to keep him fresh for the stretch run.
Adams has dominated his opponents down-low all season, something that has to take a toll on his 7-foot, 255 pound frame. The Big Kiwi left the last two games with two separate injuries: the aforementioned hip contusion and a sprained ankle on Saturday. Neither appear to be significant, but it’s a sign that Adams’ body needs a break.
Although his game is immensely vital to this team, the Thunder are 4-1 when he sits this season. To be fair, only one of those contests came against a Playoff team (the Clippers). Their only loss came against the New York Knicks on December 16th.
The Game
Dakari Johnson will get the start tonight in Adams’ absence, per Royce Young. Billy Donovan’s goal will be to keep the rotations set, i.e. keep Jerami Grant and Patrick Patterson with the second unit. It’s a bonus that the rookie will have the chance to play some meaningful minutes.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 ET. A win keeps the Thunder in sole possession of fourth place of the Western Conference. After this they’ll have two days to rest before playing in Toronto Friday night.
Next: Previewing tonight's matchup in Atlanta
Check back with Thunderous Intentions for our recap and player grades to tonight’s affair.