OKC Thunder: Paul George out injured versus 76ers

OKC Thunder goes for the 20th consecutive win over 76ers without Paul George in the lineup. Signs of a possible injury stem back to Pelicans loss.

The OKC Thunder will be attempting to extend the longest active win streak of one team over another when they face the 76ers tonight. A victory would be the 20th consecutive victory versus the 76ers but they’ll have to do it without the services of Paul George.

When Billy Donovan did his pregame news and notes he informed the media Paul George would not be in the lineup. This is just the second time all season George will miss a game. The last time was on December 28th when the Thunder played the Suns. In that instance, George was dealing with a thigh injury. The reason provided for PG13 sitting out tonight’s match is due to shoulder soreness. Donovan did not clarify when the injury occurred.

The likely reserve stepping in will be guard Dennis Schroder moving Terrance Ferguson likely up one spot to guard the small forward given Schroder’s smaller size.

OKC has been in a bit of a slump losing three of their last four games. The last game prior to the break versus the Pelicans, the Kings game which came on the heels of the double overtime victory to the Jazz and the last game OKC played versus the Nuggets.

Diving into each of the losses there were signs of something potentially being wrong, so it might turn out this is a longer term injury (or a combination of injury and fatigue). Specifically, George has not shot well in the losses. Ironically, Russell Westbrook who has struggled with efficiency all season has produced arguably his best shooting stretch of the season.

It might be the first time all season Westbrook has shot consistently better than George:

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New Orleans Pelicans:

Paul George shot 11 of 29 or 37.9 percent from the field in the game but was an abysmal 3 of 17 from deep (17.6%). Despite the poor efficiency George produced 28 points adding seven rebounds, six assists. a steal and a block.

Russell Westbrook shot 18 of 30 (60 percent) from the field and 4 of 12 from deep for 33.3 percent scoring 44 points. In addition, Westbrook collected a triple-double via his 14 rebounds and 11 assists and also chipped in a steal and two blocks.

Sacramento Kings:

Paul George shot 4 of 19 or 21.1 percent from the field in the game and 2 of 9 from deep (22.2%) amassing 14 points while also grabbing 13 rebounds and dishing five dimes.

Russell Westbrook shot 14 of 30 for 50 percent from the field and 5 of 12 from the perimeter for 41.7 percent plus 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block on route to his 41 point night.

Denver Nuggets:

Paul George shot 7 of 24 or 29.2 percent from the field in the game, 3 of 14 from deep for 21.4 percent scoring 25 points. His poor shooting didn’t affect other aspects of his game as he pulled down eight boards, had seven assists and an impressive six steals.

 Russell Westbrook scored 22 points shooting 8 of 14 for 57.1 percent from the field and shot 50 percent from the perimeter on 4 of 8. Additionally, he came up just short of a triple-double collecting 14 rebounds and nine assists.

Again, Donovan did not clarify when the injury to George happened except to say it was during the Denver game. Yet, if these last three losses are any indication there may be other issues bothering George.

Recalling the Jazz game he took a hit to his knee which also seemed to hobble him and he’s been wearing a sleeve on the same elbow he had drained this offseason. Regardless of when it occurred or if it’s the only injury George needs to rest.

There was no indication from Donovan if George will play this weekend versus the Spurs or Grizzlies in the back to back set.