http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyId=12494252 It is not clear how long Ibaka will be sidelined following the surgery. Ibaka has missed the Thunder's past two games with what the team has called knee soreness. He will see a specialist for further evaluation, with the expectation for him to have a clean-out procedure in order to be ready for the postseason. The Thunder have not confirmed that Ibaka will undergo the surgery, saying in a statement Monday that they have sent him to a specialist. "As we continue to monitor and evaluate the soreness in Serge's knee, in consultation with his representation, we decided the next best step is to have him travel to New York to see a specialist," a team spokesman said. "We will provide an update as appropriate." The Thunder have had injury issues throughout the season, with Kevin Durant missing 39 games and Russell Westbrookmissing 15. The Thunder currently are 37-29, just a game ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans for the Western Conference's eighth seed. The Thunder have used two different starting lineups in the games without Ibaka, starting rookie Mitch McGary last Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and then Steven Adamsalongside Enes Kanter on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls. Ibaka, 25, is averaging 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 64 games this season.
Ironically, it's probably his 3-point shooting they'll miss the most. He's second in the team (first among starters), behind only Anthony Morrow in made 3-pointers. So, now teams can really pack the paint with Kanter and Adams starting, which will make it harder for Westbrook to get to the rim. BNM
Brutal blow in the stretch run. I kinda want OKC to make the playoffs. I want them wearing out GSW in the first round. Pels would get smacked left and right by the Warriors I think.
