Danilo Gallinari’s sore left ankle will cause him to miss more games than originally anticipated.
After being ruled out of the Thunder’s game against Memphis on Thursday, Billy Donovan told reporters later in the afternoon that Gallinari will not be going on Oklahoma City’s upcoming road trip.
“As long as the season is and what we have coming, the most important thing is we want him to get to where he’s feeling better.”
Billy Donovan said Danilo Gallinari (left ankle soreness) will miss the Thunder’s road trip to Charlotte and Toronto as a precaution: “As long as the season is and what we have coming, the most important thing is we want him to get to where he’s feeling better.”
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) December 26, 2019
As noted by Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman, Donovan described the move as “precautionary”.
Danilo Gallianri (left ankle soreness) will not travel with the Thunder to Charlotte and Toronto, Thunder coach Billy Donovan said. "It's nothing we're concerned about structurally."
Donovan described the move as "precautionary."
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) December 26, 2019
Gallinari initially experienced left ankle soreness during pregame on Sunday prior to Oklahoma City’s game against the Clippers. He was listed as questionable but did not play in the Thunder’s 118-112 win.
Darius Bazley got the second start of his career in place of Gallinari. Donovan also addressed the opportunity that Gallo’s injury provides for Bazley.
“He’s gonna have to go through some of this stuff in order to learn, grow. There’s going to be some ups and downs but the biggest thing for me is he’s competing and playing with really good energy and motor.”
Donovan on Darius Bazley’s opportunity with Danilo Gallinari out: “He’s gonna have to go through some of this stuff in order to learn, grow. There’s going to be some ups and downs but the biggest thing for me is he’s competing and playing with really good energy and motor.”
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) December 26, 2019
Bazley scored seven points and grabbed eight rebounds against the Clippers.
He will also start Thursday against the Grizzlies.