OKC's Ibaka (calf) likely out rest of playoffs

[wayne1218]

The Oklahoma City Thunder will not begin their Western Conference finals showdown with the San Antonio Spurs at anywhere close to full strength.

Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka is expected to miss the rest of the postseason after suffering a calf injury in Oklahoma City's series-clinching win Thursday night against the Clippers, the team announced Friday.

Ibaka has averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 13 playoff games.

The Spurs will open the series at home Monday in Game 1 with health concerns of their own, as star guard Tony Parker continues to recover from a hamstring strain. But coach Gregg Popovich said Friday that Parker is hopeful of being ready for the opener, whereas Oklahoma City will greatly miss Ibaka, its interior defensive anchor.

Oklahoma City swept its four regular-season meetings with the Spurs, who went 62-16 against the rest of the league for the NBA's best record this season.

[wayne1218]

I think this one has to be a game changer doesn't it?

[garth]

I think this one has to be a game changer doesn't it?

Yep...Ibaka makes life miserable on the inside for people like Parker and Ginobili. He swats everything that goes up near the rim. Plus, he's become integral to the offense. He's almost automatic on that jumper from the elbow. Steven Adams and Nick Collison will not be able to fill his shoes. and who else the Thunder have in the way of bigs? Thabeet? Yeah, that's it. Hasheem is the answer. Perry Jones will likely get some playing time and Brooks will use the small lineup more, I would imagine.

Bottom line though, OKC is not as good without Serge. He's become one of the elite power forwards imho. I am dejected.

[garth]

and btw, in case anyone takes me seriously on my comment about Thabeet...don't. didn't use any emoticons so my comment could possibly be construed as something other than the sarcasm it was intended to convey.

[garth]

That said, I'd take the 5.5 in tonight's game. I think someone for the Thunder will step up his game tonight in Ibaka's absence. I think the Spurs win it in 7 where before Ibaka went out I predicted Thunder in 6. I think that's about how much difference Ibaka's absence will make. Just a homer opinion FWIW.

[kbsooner21]

I still like the Thunder to take this series. Parker can't guard anyone on defense, especially with a bum hamstring that I think he hurt worse than what he is leading on. I see a lineup of Westbrook, Reggie, Caron, KD, Adams giving the Spurs fits. The Thunder just isn't a good matchup for the Spurs imo. Maybe I'm seeing this in my homer blue glasses

Thunder in 6

[BettorsChat]

The line is already configured with him not playing. Oklahoma is 7-3 straight up the last 10 games. I would just take a long shot with Oklahoma on the ML.

[Udog]

I see a lineup of Westbrook, Reggie, Caron, KD, Adams giving the Spurs fits.

I agree. If Caron can get that outside shot working, he'll change everything the Spurs are planning to do and that would be great.

I would just take a long shot with Oklahoma on the ML.

Not a bad idea! It would be a nice payout and the Thunder have already won outright as dogs in San Antonio twice this year. They were working around injuries in those games, too.

[wayne1218]

Spurs in 3

[kbsooner21]

Spurs in 3

[wayne1218]

[wayne1218]

I played OKC. I'll leave the ML for you guys and i'll take the points!

[wayne1218]

Wow 122 points and a field day in the paint for the Spurs. Nobody stepped up and the injury looks even worse this morning IMO. That sucked!

[kbsooner21]

It's amazing how much easier it is to score in the paint when they're not worried about Ibaka roaming around for the block!

[wayne1218]

I took OKC +6 again tonight. WTF was I thinking. I thought a desperate team would at least show up!