After being upgraded to questionable on Tuesday, Abdel Nader is back on the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Nader was officially made available prior to tip-off against the Sacramento Kings, according to Erik Horne of The Athletic.
Abdel Nader (left ankle sprain) is available tonight, says Billy Donovan.
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) January 30, 2020
Nader had missed eight games with an ankle sprain. He suffered the injury in the first quarter of the Thunder’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 13.
Per Horne, Oklahoma City head coach, Billy Donovan, said that there was no minutes restriction for Nader on Wednesday night.
Billy Donovan said in pregame that there were no minutes restrictions for Chris Paul or Abdel Nader. Nader hasn't played yet, with Donovan sticking with Diallo and Dort in the rotation.
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) January 30, 2020
Also returning to the lineup against the Kings is Chris Paul.
Paul missed Monday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks following the death of his friend, and NBA superstar, Kobe Bryant.
Paul, who has not yet talked to the media, is expected to be available postgame.
After missing Monday's game in Oklahoma City for personal reasons, Chris Paul is with the Thunder tonight in Sacramento and is expected to play, speak to the media in postgame.
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) January 30, 2020
The Kings paid tribute to Bryant with a video prior to tip-off on Wednesday night.
Excellent Kobe Bryant tribute video in pregame by the @SacramentoKings @Golden1Center pic.twitter.com/SFmBI1JArM
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) January 30, 2020
Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed when their helicopter crashed 40 miles outside of Los Angeles on Sunday morning.