Diallo to be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days
Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo was re-evaluated Thursday in Oklahoma City and diagnosed with a left ankle sprain, according to the team — an encouraging sign considering his reaction to an injury against the Warriors on Wednesday.
With about 7:23 left in the fourth quarter of the Thunder's 123-95 win, the rookie landed awkwardly on his left ankle and leg, having to leave the game on a stretcher as a result. Following the game, the Thunder said Warriors physicians ruled out any severe lower body injuries for Diallo.
The Thunder said Diallo will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days, meaning he will at least miss games against Charlotte (Friday), Denver (Saturday) and Cleveland (Wednesday).
Add the 20-year-old to the string of injury misfortune at the shooting guard position for the Thunder.
The NBA's injury report on Thursday listed Terrance Ferguson's status as out for Friday after spraining his left ankle in the first quarter against the Warriors. Ferguson, who had just returned from the birth of his daughter after missing the first two games of the Thunder's three-game road trip, was seen wearing a walking boot after Wednesday's game.
Alex Abrines is also listed as out after missing the entire road trip with a viral illness.
Andre Roberson has missed all 17 games this season as he continues his recovery from left knee surgery. Roberson is expected to be reevaluated in early December.
On Wednesday, Thunder coach Billy Donovan went to Dennis Schröder early alongside Russell Westbrook after Ferguson had to leave the game with 5:41 remaining in the first quarter.
The injuries and illnesses at shooting guard have opened up playing time for Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, who performed well on the Thunder's 2-1 run through Phoenix, Sacramento and Golden State.
In those games, Luwawu-Cabarrot averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and an assist in 22.7 minutes per game, while shooting 48 percent overall and 36.4 percent from 3-point range. The third-year guard could be in line to start Friday if Abrines isn't available.