Oklahoma City Thunder center Nerlens Noel will not play in the team’s first scrimmage, head coach Billy Donovan said Friday before the game.
Noel suffered what was described as a minor ankle injury during a practice in the bubble.
Donovan said earlier this week that the team has been “overly precautious” with the big man, and he practiced on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, it sounded like Noel would be able to see game minutes, as Donovan said the team anticipated the whole roster being available.
On Friday afternoon, he had shifted his tune.
“He practiced Wednesday, but just getting some feedback of where he’s at, thought it would be best just to give him another day to rest, having yesterday off,” Donovan said.
While Noel is missing the game, the injury still doesn’t sound serious a week before the real games begin. Donovan expects the center to be available Sunday for the scrimmage against the Philadelphia 76ers.
“He should be ready to go against Philly and be back at practice tomorrow,” Donovan said. “We thought it would be wise just to give him an extra day.”
Noel will be the only Thunder player out.
Wing Andre Roberson is set to return after missing the last two and a half years due to injury.
