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Alex Abrines placed on concussion protocol

By Jordan Buckamneer

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 15: Alex Abrines #8 of the OKC Thunder reacts after making a three point basket in the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 15: Alex Abrines #8 of the OKC Thunder reacts after making a three point basket in the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder guard Alex Abrines was placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol after leaving Monday night’s game. Abrines is listed as questionable for the season finale on Wednesday against Memphis.

Alex Abrines left Monday’s win over Miami in the second quarter with concussion-like symptoms. It turns out our worst fears have come true.

The Thunder announced Tuesday that Abrines was placed in the League’s mandated Return-to-Participation Protocol. There is currently no timetable for a return as he will undergo a variety of tests to determine the severity of his injury. His questionable status for Wednesday, however, suggests a return for the playoffs seems likely.

Coming off the bench, the 24-year-old Spaniard has averaged 4.7 points per game in 15.1 minutes. Abrines is apart of a second unit which has struggled to some degree this season, but has grown as the season went along. Especially the Spaniard Sniper

Abrines has seen an uptick in minutes, over the past five games, averaging 19 minutes per contest. He hasn’t shot the ball well, but his improved defense has been a blessing for a team in desperate need of a fourth guard off the bench.

OKC Thunder guard Alex Abrines
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 3: Alex Abrines #8 of the OKC Thunder drives to the basket during the game against Jordan Bell #2 of the Golden State Warriors on April 3, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Abrines’ increased value

The probability of the 24-year old returning for the last regular season game is currently unknown. Past history tells us Abrines would love to play against this Memphis team though. He scored a season-high 20 points against the lowly Grizzlies in December – he would be in line to see extended minutes to ensure Billy Donovan his defense is ready for the Playoffs. Should he be out, the minutes will probably be taken over by Terrance Ferguson for the time being.

Although his impact may seem small, any extra points coming off the bench is a big deal for the OKC Thunder. Abrines provides that. He’s a 38% 3-point shooter while also hitting 84% from the free throw line. Recently he’s also shown the propensity to finish strongly at the rim.

Next: Updated Playoff picture through April 10th

Alex Abrines’ spot-up shooting must be respected by opposing defenses. It’s something the Thunder will need more of if they are going to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Rest up soon Alex. All of Thunder Nation is depending on it.

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