Already without Dennis Schroder for the foreseeable future, the Thunder will be without reserve big man Mike Muscala, as well.
The club announced that, after a collision with the Nuggets P.J. Dozier during the club’s 121-113 loss on Monday, Muscala was diagnosed with a concussion.
Although his status is yet to be officially determined for Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, it should be assumed that Muscala will be unavailable for the contest.
After being placed in the concussion protocol, a player must not exhibit concussion-related symptoms while at rest, be evaluated by a physician, receive clearance from the Director of the NBA’s concussion program and successfully complete the “exertion protocol,” which includes a gamut of physical tests that increase in intensity.
While it sounds very complicated, the fact is that a player needs to recover from the concussion. That usually takes at least a day or two.
Hard fall for Mike Muscala defending the rim against Denver’s P.J. Dozier. Muscala forced to leave the game. pic.twitter.com/xY2r9TNKBS
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) August 3, 2020
Looking ahead to their matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s worth noting that LeBron James and co. have already clinched the first seed in the Western Conference. It’s possible that the team will lack some urgency with respect to the remainder of its seeding games.
Still, the favorites may want to enter the playoffs on a high note — we’ll find out where Frank Vogel’s head is based on how he manages his rotation.
Wednesday’s contest between the teams is scheduled to tip-off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.