Good news for the Thunder – both Hamidou Diallo and Steven Adams practiced on Thursday.
Both Diallo and Adams have been dealing with left knee issues.
Diallo has missed the last three games for Oklahoma City while Adams, who initially injured his left knee in a loss against the Rockets at the end of October, has been closely monitored in terms of minutes since his return against the Pacers on November 12.
Billy Donovan said on Thursday that both Diallo and Adams participated in “full-contact practice”, according to Erik Horne of The Athletic.
Billy Donovan said Hamidou Diallo and Steven Adams were full contact practice participants today. Diallo has missed the Thunder's last three games with knee soreness, while Adams is being monitored after missing games this season with a left knee contusion.
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) November 21, 2019
How much of it is because of his knee issue is unknown, but Adams’ production has dropped this season from a year ago. Through 11 games, his minutes (33.4 to 26.3), scoring (13.9 points to 7.8) and field-goal percentage (59.5% to 50.6%) have all seen a significant slide.
The Thunder could’ve used Diallo’s presence against the Lakers on Tuesday to help contain LeBron on defense while providing a more difficult defensive matchup for James.
Oklahoma City will host the Lakers Friday, tip-off is at 7 p.m. CT.