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Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (knee) will not return before playoffs

Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka will not play in either of the team’s remaining regular season games.
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Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks announced power forward Serge Ibaka will not play in either of the team’s remaining regular season games, Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman reports.

Ibaka, 25, has not played since having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on March 17. The team announced he would need four to six weeks to recover from the surgery, and Tuesday will mark four weeks.

Ibaka has returned to on-court work, but has not participated in full-contact practices yet. Before Sunday’s game against Indiana, Brooks ruled Ibaka out for the final two regular season games.

“Won’t play tonight nor tomorrow (against the Blazers),” Brooks said before the Pacers game. “Nor Wednesday (in the finale at Minnesota).”

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In 64 games this season, Ibaka averaged 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting a career-low 47.6% from the field. During Ibaka’s absence, the Thunder have gone 8–7.

Despite Russell Wesbrook’s 54-point game, the Thunder lost to the Pacers. Oklahoma City is tied with with New Orleans for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, and the Pelicans own the tie breaker.

The Thunder host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday and close the regular season on Wednesday at the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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