Abrines out, Roberson in doubt against Phoenix
Thunder guard will miss Friday’s game against Phoenix with a left knee sprain — his second consecutive game missed after suffering the injury against Milwaukee on Tuesday. Starting small forward
(left knee soreness) is listed as questionable and will be re-evaluated at the Friday morning shootaround. Roberson didn’t play in the second half against Memphis on Wednesday.
Coming off the second night of a back-to-back, the Thunder didn’t practice Thursday.
"He didn’t seem himself, and he wasn’t moving very well," Thunder coach
said Wednesday night. "I asked him if he could go, and he said ‘yes,’ but I just think that’s the way he is. It’s probably better we didn’t play him in the second half and let him rest until we find out a little more."
was the beneficiary in Abrines and Roberson’s absence against Memphis, playing 31 minutes in the win.
Oladipo’s quietly strong season
After the Thunder topped Memphis 103-100 Wednesday, a cryptic tweet popped up on Twitter feed.
Oladipo posted the definition of the word “disrespect.” The post could have absolutely nothing to do with if Oladipo feels disrespected. But in the season of
standout play, Oladipo’s first season with the Thunder probably hasn’t received the recognition it’s deserved.
• The 24-year-old is shooting career highs from the field (44.6 percent) and the 3-point line (37.1 percent, second on the team), and has been especially hot since missing six games with back spasms. Since March 7, Oladipo has made 33-of-77 3-pointers (42.9 percent), and has the highest plus/ minus on the Thunder, which is 7.2 points per game better with him in the game.
• Much has been made of how the Thunder’s offense craters when Westbrook is off the floor. It’s true. The Thunder is 9.1 points per possessions worse with Westbrook on the bench. It’s also true that the Thunder’s defense goes bad when Oladipo exits. The Thunder is allowing 101.6 points per 100 possessions with Oladipo on the floor, the best defensive rating among any of OKC’s regular rotation players, but gives up a team-high 109.3 points per 100 when he’s not in the game.
• Oladipo has incredibly efficient numbers despite limited offensive opportunities in closing time. Among players with 30 or more “clutch” games played (score within five points with five minutes remaining), Oladipo has the third-best net rating (difference between points scored and allowed per 100 possessions) in the NBA at 26.7. That’s better than even Westbrook, who’s 10th in the league at 20.7.
• Oladipo’s shooting in the clutch this season: 46.7 field goal percentage (14-of-30), 47.4 on 3’s (9-of-19), 91.7 on free throws (11-of-12). Some can be attributed to the attention Westbrook is drawing, but Oladipo is still executing. His percentages improve in late-game situations.
Following the win, a reporter was within feet of Oladipo’s locker, close enough for him to hear, but still had to ask a Thunder staffer “who’s that?”
Even with some of the Thunder’s best play this season, Oladipo is still fighting for recognition.
Blue needs two
To advance in the NBA Development League playoffs, the Blue will need to win a pair of games in Oklahoma City.
The No. 1 seeded Blue lost to No. 4 Santa Cruz 121-120 Wednesday in Santa Cruz, Calif., in Game 1 of a best-of-3 series.
had 28 points and 11 rebounds, and
added 26 points and nine rebounds for Oklahoma City.
The series shifts to the Cox Convention Center. Game 2 is Saturday and Game 3, if necessary, would be Monday. Both are 7 p.m. starts.
Game 2 will be televised on News9 Plus and broadcast on Facebook Live. Tickets for Games 2 and 3 are on sale at oklahomacityblue.com or by phone at (405) 208-4667.