After suffering a concussion during the Thunder’s Friday exhibition game against the Boston Celtics, Abdel Nader has been clear to reenter the lineup for the club as it prepares to do battle with the Portland Trail Blazers in the third and final Orlando exhibition contest.
The Thunder will carry a 2-0 record into the competition and, once it’s all said and done, prepare to lock horns with the Utah Jazz on Aug. 1 in the first of Oklahoma City’s eight seeding games.
Although Nader will be returning to the lineup, the Thunder will be without Terrance Ferguson, Nerlens Noel and Chris Paul.
Noel, who has been limited by an ankle injury, is reportedly missing the contest because he missed a mandatory coronavirus test while Paul’s absence is officially stated as being for rest.
From Billy Donovan: Abdel Nader passed concussion protocol and will play today. Terrance Ferguson is out with a leg contusion. Chris Paul will rest. Nerlens Noel is out because he missed a test.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) July 28, 2020
Ferguson is the other member of the club who is currently suffering from an ailment, as his absence is due to a leg contusion.
The contest against the Blazers will tip-off at 6:00 p.m. ET.