Report: Thunder’s Serge Ibaka to have knee procedure
Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka will have a procedure on his knee to alleviate soreness, ESPN’s Royce Young reports.
The team announced on Monday that Ibaka will travel to New York to see a specialist. Young reports Ibaka is expected to undergo a minor procedure in order to be healthy for the playoffs.
The Thunder released the following statement about Ibaka:
“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. We will provide an update as appropriate.”
• DOLLINGER: Thunder remain at No. 5 in Power Rankings
Ibaka, 25, has sat out the last two games with the knee injury. In 64 games this season, he has averaged 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. He has made the NBA's All-Defensive first team each of the last three seasons.
Ibaka's knee soreness is the latest in a string of injuries to Oklahoma City's top players. Reigning MVP Kevin Durant has been limited to 27 games and hasn't played since Feb. 19. Point guard Russell Westbrook missed 14 games earlier this season with a broken hand.
In Sunday's win over the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City started Enes Kanter and Steven Adams in the frontcourt.
• Spurs’ Ginobili will miss 7-10 days with ankle injury
Despite the injuries, the Thunder are currently the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. They have a one-game lead over the New Orleans Pelicans for the final playoff spot.
The Thunder play at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.
- Paul Palladino
