Thunder point guard Dennis Schroder will start in place of the suspended Russell Westbrook Monday night against the Miami Heat, head coach Billy Donovan said prior to the game.
Of course, the NBA suspended Westbrook for one game on Sunday after he picked up his 16th technical foul of the season. Players automatically receive a one-game suspension once they reach the 16th technical foul threshold.
Schroder was the likely candidate to start in place of Westbrook as the first-year Thunder player has started 12 times previously this season for Westbrook and others.
Schroder is averaging 18.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.8 steals as a starter this season. Schroder most recently started on March 3 in place of Paul George.
OKC is 5-3 this season without Westbrook in the lineup.
