The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without starting center Al Horford in the Tuesday night game against the Orlando Magic, according to The Oklahoman’s Joe Mussatto.
Horford will sit on the second night of the back-to-back. Mussatto also said guard George Hill is questionable due to neck spasms.
On Monday, Horford played 29 minutes in the 110-109 loss to the Utah Jazz.
The center has been a very important part of the Thunder this season. His box score stats don’t properly reflect his game, as he has had strong impact on both sides of the ball.
Mike Muscala will likely be starting in his place. Muscala, who only got spot minutes for Oklahoma City last season, has played very well over the Thunder’s first two games. His 11.5 points average would be by far a career high if he continues, and he has made five of 11 3-pointers.
Al Horford (rest) is listed as out tonight against the Magic. Ty Jerome (left ankle sprain) is also out.
George Hill (neck spasms) is questionable.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) December 29, 2020
Behind him, it gets murky. Moses Brown, a 21-year-old who last year played nine games for the Portland Trail Blazers, could see his first action of the season.
Aleksej Pokusevski could play center as well, though head coach Mark Daigneault has said he wants to develop the 19-year-old at wing before moving him around positionally.
Darius Bazley is also an option. He played center at times last year and the Thunder could go small ball with him at the 5 against Orlando.
As for Hill, the Thunder would have options if he cannot play. Daigneault could insert a guard or a wing at the starting position. The starting lineup already has a primary ball handler alongside Hill in Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dort can play the 2 or 3.
Based on minute allocations and performance in the first two games, Hamidou Diallo would be a logical candidate for the starting spot.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Watch at FOX Sports Oklahoma.