The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered their first loss in the second half of the season on Saturday, as they fell to the New York Knicks, 119-97. The shorthanded Thunder proved no match to a surging Knicks side, as OKC endured a blowout loss without a couple of their key players in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Darius Bazley.
After the game, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault provided an update on the status of both Gilgeous-Alexander and Bazley, and at this point, it appears that both players are nearing a return:
“All I know is those injuries are not long term things,” Daigneault said, via Brandon Rabhar of the Daily Thunder. “They’re closer to playing than they are to sitting out.”
Unfortunately, Daigneault did not provide a firm timetable on the return of either player. OKC is set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, but as it is, it seems that both SGA and Bazley are doubtful to suit up for that one.
SGA is currently dealing with a quad injury, but he was able to take the floor for the Thunder on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. As for Bazley, the 20-year-old forward is currently nursing a shoulder problem and he has yet to suit up for OKC since the All-Star break.
At 16-22, the Thunder are currently four games outside the playoffs picture in the West. They will want to get back their key players — SGA in particular — as soon as possible as they enter a crucial juncture in the season.
Follow Us
Subscribe