Breaking injury update: Steven Adams available, Paul George WILL PLAY vs. Clippers

The OKC Thunder will have Steven Adams back in the lineup, but Paul George was deemed a game time decision versus Clippers.

UPDATE: Since the original posting – Paul George has indicated he will play

As the OKC Thunder begin what is to be the most onerous segment of their regular season schedule injuries will factor large.

Thunder Nation got mixed news regarding injuries. Specifically the report is Steven Adams will be available to start, but Paul George is a game time decision. That doesn’t mean George is a definitive no, yet it isn’t the positive news OKC was hoping for.

On the season, Adams has missed six games while George has missed three. Scanning the rest of the Association the Thunder have been relatively lucky regarding health.

Of course that’s all relative considering the OKC Thunder lost their premiere defender in Andre Roberson. Certainly the Thunder haven’t been as strong since losing the wing who up until his injury probably didn’t get the credit he deserved.

Defensive Impact:

Roberson played in 39 games and had a plus 2.9 defensive rating. Something which might shock fans is Russell Westbrook has a higher (3.0) defensive box score.

Although the game is played on the court and not on stat sheets it’s worth noting both Adams and George are considered keys to the Thunder defense. Both are capable of shutting down their individual defensive assignments.

Likewise, each is terrific as providing help defense and each offers defensive prowess in specific areas. Adams is a quality rim protector, terrific rebounder and sets some of the most bone jarring screens in the NBA.  George is considered to be of the same ilk as Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson. That is, among the best two-way players in the NBA.

Adams, George back in versus Clippers

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Adams originally got hurt when he tweaked his ankle against the Spurs. The iron man shook that off to return the next outing versus the Kings. In this match he sustained a hip contusion which held him out the last game versus the Hawks.

Likewise, George also sustained a hip contusion when he fell awkwardly to the court in the game versus Atlanta.

In terms of what this means for tonight’s match obviously the Thunder prefer to have a fully healthy roster.  The key matchup for Steven Adams is DeAndre Jordan who has witnessed a progression in offensive production with the trade of Blake Griffin.

While it seems like the Thunder would miss PG13’s offensive contributions it’s his defense OKC need versus LA.

Theoretically George would guard a combination of Tobias Harris and Lou Williams. Harris brings his own brand of two-way ball to the court. Williams is the best in the business (no offense James Harden) at the pump fake and drawing his defenders into cheap fouls.

Most noteworthy, tonight’s match launches 11 games vs. playoff (or contending) squads, so the return of Adams is huge. Hopefully the team and George will determine in shoot around he is also good to go.

Next: Deep Dive into the wild, wild, west - stretch schedule analysis

For a full game day preview check out Wil Harrington’s comprehensive preview here.  During the game interact with us on twitter and make sure to catch and comment on our postgame grades following the match.