Thunder center Noel in concussion protocol

The Thunder’s Nerlens Noel has been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol after he collided with Andrew Wiggins and hit the floor Tuesday night during Oklahoma City’s game with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The team announced that Noel was held overnight at the University of Oklahoma’s hospital for tests and observations and was released Wednesday. There is no timetable for Noel to complete the protocol process.

Noel took an elbow in the face as Wiggins drove to the basket, and Noel’s head hit the ground hard. The team said Noel lost consciousness while being knocked to the floor. A defensive foul was called on Noel. The play was reviewed, and no additional fouls were accessed. Noel was down for several minutes before being taken from the court on a stretcher. Players from both teams exchanged words while Noel was on the ground.

Noel has been a critical reserve for the Thunder this season, averaging 5.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 14 minutes per contest.

Wiggins said he was not trying to hurt Noel.

“I just tried to make an aggressive move and dunk,” Wiggins said. “He tried to contest it. I think he fell wrong. I didn’t really see it until I saw him on the ground. Hopefully, he’s good. I hope nothing but the best for him. I hope he gets healthy soon and comes back stronger.”

A few minutes after the collision, there was a skirmish between Thunder guard Dennis Schroder and Timberwolves guard Jeff Teague. Two technicals were called on Teague and he was ejected. Schroder also was called for a technical.

Minnesota won the game 119-117. LAWRENCE HEADED TO NFL >> Suspended Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is headed to the NFL.

Lawrence is the 350-pound, 6-foot-4 lineman who missed the Tigers’ College Football Playoff games after he and two teammates tested positive for the banned substance ostarine. Lawrence attended both games and celebrated with teammates Monday night after a 44-16 victory over Alabama in the national championship game.

Lawrence announced his decision on Twitter Wednesday.

He was a three-year starter and is considered a first-round NFL pick in next spring’s draft.

He is the third Clemson starter on defense to give up his eligibility to go pro. Earlier, cornerback Trayvon Mullen and linebacker Tre Lamar said they would enter the NFL draft. Mullen was the defensive MVP of the championship game. MEBANE LIKELY TO PLAY

FOLLOWING DAUGHTER’S DEATH >> Brandon Mebane is likely to play for the Los Angeles Chargers this week following the death of his 7-week old daughter.

Makenna Mebane died on Jan. 3. She was born on Nov. 12 with a defective heart condition. The Chargers defensive end was in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife, Amena, and other two children, 4-year-old Mahailey and 2-year-old Makai, for most of the past two months while Makenna received treatment for a stomach infection.

Mebane had missed five of the past seven games, including last week’s wildcard game at Baltimore, to be with his family. He said before Wednesday’s practice that the rest of the family is also back in Los Angeles.