Thunder forward Markieff Morris is not expected to play Thursday night on the road against the Indiana Pacers due to neck soreness.
The team listed Morris as out in the upcoming matchup after he missed Wednesday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. Morris initially tweaked his neck on Monday against the Utah Jazz after playing just eight minutes.
Morris went through a pre-game warmup on Wednesday but decided against playing in the game. While Morris is not expected to play, his status could change closer to the start of the game on Thursday.
Since signing with the Thunder, Morris has taken over the previous role of Patrick Patterson off the bench. Morris is averaging 6.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in 10 games with the Thunder.
Morris previously missed some time this season with the Washington Wizards due to transient cervical neurapraxia in his neck. He was medically cleared prior to joining the Thunder last month.
Without Morris in the lineup on Wednesday, head coach Billy Donovan turned to rookie Deonte Burton in his place. Burton responded with seven points in 15 minutes of work.
Since Morris warmed up on Wednesday with the intent to play, it appears as though his injury isn’t too serious. The team may be cautious with Morris and not rush him back.
The Pacers are one-point favorites in the game on Thursday.
