Kendrick Perkins still a game time decision for the Oklahoma City Thunder – NBA News
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks said on Thursday that Kendrick Perkins is “improving” as he recovers from a right hip muscle strain he suffered in game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks. Perkins continues to go through muscle strengthening exercises in a bid to get him healthy before the Western Conference Semi-Finals commence.
However, at the moment, he is a game time decision and his participation in the second round remains up in the air.
“He's improving. He's still going through the process of getting better. He had a good workout session with our medical staff. We'll see how he feels tomorrow” said Brooks after the ceremony in which James Harden was awarded the reserve of the year trophy.
In the absence of Perkins, Nazr Mohammed will fill in his spot, informed the head coach. Mohammed has been practicing with the team and is ready to take on the center position.
“Our fingers are crossed (about Perkins being available), but we don't know. Nazr is getting most of the looks (in practice), but Cole (Aldrich) has been working hard all year and there weren't a lot of injuries at that spot. When Cole has gone in, he's always done well” added Brooks.
Kendrick Perkins is a crucial asset in the lineup of the Thunder, as displayed in the first round match up against the Dallas Mavericks. Perkins was part of the double team that made Dirk Nowitzki ineffective in the series and his role support was critical in winning the series for the Thunder.
However, if he is ruled out, the center position in the Thunder lineup will be weakened, which could prove to be devastating for the Thunder if they face the Lakers in the next round. Lakers have two big men in Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol who will have to be kept out of the paint.
Brooks interacted with the media at the ceremony organized at the Chesapeake Energy Arena to award the best reserve player of the season to OKC guard James Harden. The OKC players were on hand to show solidarity and support for their team mate as he was given the award.
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