Thunder's Serge Ibaka day-to-day after swelling in calf has 'reduced substantially'
The Thunder had won six of its last eight playoff games with Serge Ibaka in the lineup. (Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City power forward Serge Ibaka, who was expected to miss the remainder of the postseason with a calf injury, is now day-to-day, general manager Sam Presti said in a statement on Friday.
“The abundance of blood and therefore swelling in Serge’s calf has reduced substantially and unexpectedly, allowing a level of movement and stability not thought possible after the initial diagnosis," Presti said. "Based on both imaging and physical exam, the considerable swelling in the calf indicated the likelihood of a certain degree of injury, and that established the original time frame for recovery.
"At present, Serge has yet to complete a full basketball workout, but is walking and doing light basketball drills. With this new information, and in an effort to keep his status current, we are now listing him as day-to-day with the understanding that there is a possibility for him to play in this series."
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Ibaka didn't play in Games 1 and 2 of the Thunder's Western Conference finals series against San Antonio after suffering a calf strain in Game 6 of the conference semis. OKC lost both games to the Spurs by an average of 26 points and has been outscored in the paint 120-74.
Game 3 is Sunday night in Oklahoma City.
In 13 games this postseason, Ibaka has averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.
