Billy Donovan said on Saturday night that the team would likely know more about the extent of Nerlens Noel’s ankle injury on Sunday.
They do, but it wasn’t the news Oklahoma City’s head coach was hoping for.
Per The Oklahoman, Noel has officially been listed as out for the Thunder’s game against Philadelphia on Monday with a left ankle sprain.
The Thunder has listed Nerlens Noel (left ankle sprain) as out for its game tomorrow at Philadelphia.
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) January 5, 2020
The injury occurred during the third quarter of Oklahoma City’s 121-106 win over Philadelphia on Saturday night.
Nerlens Noel is in a lot of pain. Rolled his ankle on this play. 😣 pic.twitter.com/7UJFvShQgW
— Up The Thunder (@UpTheThunder) January 5, 2020
Noel was chasing a loose ball near the baseline when it appeared that he stepped on Tristan Thompson’s left foot. His ankle rolled over at an awkward angle, and Noel collapsed in a heap underneath the basket.
He left the game with 4:39 remaining in the third quarter and did not return.
Over his last 10 games, Noel has been averaging 8.2 points with 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals in 18.8 minutes per game.
Noel began his career with the 76ers after his right were traded by the Pelicans, who drafted him with the sixth overall pick in 2013.
He played in Philadelphia for two and a half seasons before being traded the Mavericks.
Oklahoma City and the 76ers tip-off in Philadelphia at 6 p.m. CT on Monday night.