The Thunder have lost Kevin Durant. They lost Serge Ibaka. They lost Nick Collison.
And they’re still likely to make the playoffs.
But, up 2.5 games on the Suns and threw games on the Pelicans, Oklahoma City is facing yet another injury-related challenge.
This time, starting shooting guard Andre Roberson is out.
Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman:
Confirmed: Andre Roberson out two to three weeks with a left ankle sprain. Video of injury: https://t.co/xienSPBDXm
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 24, 2015
Kyle Singler will start when the Thunder host the Lakers tonight, and that’s not necessarily a setback for the starting lineup. Singler spaces the floor and handles the ball better than Roberson, though Roberson defends better. It’s a tradeoff in style more than ability.
But if Singler is no longer coming of the bench, Oklahoma City’s bench is weakened. Either Scott Brooks shortens the rotation or gives more chances to Jeremy Lamb, Perry Jones and/or Steve Novak.
Either way, the pressure remains on Russell Westbrook to carry a huge load. He’s done well so far, but if the Thunder keep losing rotation players, eventually they’ll ask more of their starting point guard than he can deliver.
The door is still open, even just a crack, for Phoenix and New Orleans.
