Theo Maledon called up after hot streak with Blue, Favors did not practice

Theo Maledon #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands on the court before the start of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Theo Maledon #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands on the court before the start of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a light week, after cramming four games into five nights last week, the Thunder have enjoyed three straight-off days before they return to the hardwood against the Indiana Pacers on Friday Night in the Paycom Center in downtown Oklahoma City. That game will tip-off at 7 p.m. local time, with the Thunder coming off back-to-back practice days a rare feat in the NBA during the regular season.

The OKC Thunder will look a bit different as they have elected to call Theo Maledon up from the OKC Blue and shuffle Isaiah Roby down to the G-League organization. Derrick Favors, who has missed the last handful of games with a back injury, did not take part in practice this week. This is not a great sign for the veteran big man’s availability against the Pacers.

The Oklahoma City Thunder recall Theo Maledon from the Oklahoma City Blue, send Isaiah Roby down to the NBA G-League, Derrick Favors misses practice

Mark Daigneault addressed those of us in the media the last two days after practice and explained the team’s decision to recall Theo Maledon citing his incredible run with the OKC Blue. Maledon, a second-year point guard that got off to a rocky start this year at the NBA level has played in 21-games for the Thunder averaging three points, an assist, a rebound, and half a steal on woeful shooting splits (28/18/86).

During his stint with the Blue, the 20-year-old is averaging 17-points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal per tilt on 49-percent from the floor, 37-percent from distance, and 75-percent at the line. Maledon has turned in a fantastic week for the Blue as the OKC Thunder bench boss states the team can not wait to get him more NBA opportunities in the coming games.

Mark Daigneault also praised Mamadi Diakite touching again on how much the organization likes the ten-day contract big man, this comes a day after Mike Muscala told the media he sees a lot of Serge Ibaka in Diakite’s game.

Muscala also told the media he is dealing with a right ankle fracture which has limited his availability in practice. Mark Daigneault had previously told the media that the reason the veteran big only plays in short spurts is to manage that injury. When Muscala was asked about the trade deadline, he says he spends more time on Hoops Hype refreshing trade rumors.

Those are your practice notes this week, check back tomorrow for game day coverage of the Thunder taking on the Pacers.

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