Danilo Gallinari’s sore left ankle will cause him to miss more games than originally anticipated.
After being ruled out of the Thunder’s game against Memphis on Thursday, Billy Donovan told reporters later in the afternoon that Gallinari will not be going on Oklahoma City’s upcoming road trip.
“As long as the season is and what we have coming, the most important thing is we want him to get to where he’s feeling better.”
As noted by Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman, Donovan described the move as “precautionary”.
Gallinari initially experienced left ankle soreness during pregame on Sunday prior to Oklahoma City’s game against the Clippers. He was listed as questionable but did not play in the Thunder’s 118-112 win.
Darius Bazley got the second start of his career in place of Gallinari. Donovan also addressed the opportunity that Gallo’s injury provides for Bazley.
“He’s gonna have to go through some of this stuff in order to learn, grow. There’s going to be some ups and downs but the biggest thing for me is he’s competing and playing with really good energy and motor.”
Bazley scored seven points and grabbed eight rebounds against the Clippers.
He will also start Thursday against the Grizzlies.
