NBA Injury Update: Paul George Cleared to Play; Serge Ibaka Listed as Day to Day
After suffering a mild concussion in game two, Paul George's status for game's three and four were uncertain. In game two, Dwyane Wade and George collided while on the floor and Wade's knee hit George's head. George did remain in the game but was ineffective as he would shoot just 4-16 from the field.
George did pass a mandatory concussion test by team physicians, and according to multiple sources, he has been cleared to play for game three against the Miami Heat.
The Pacers and Coach Frank Vogel are going to need George to be healthy and play at a high level if they're going to win this series. George is an inconsistent shooter and has a tendency to disappear in big games but his defensive talents are the best factor of his game. Despite playing terrible offense and a late head injury in game two, George was playing great defense against LeBron James man to man. This Pacers team identity will always be defense.
Game three between the Pacers and Heat is Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
In the West, it's been a rough start for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They've been absolutely annihilated in the first two games in this series without forward Sege Ibaka. In game one they would lose by 17 points and most recently in game two they lost by 35 points. This comes as a big surprise because the Thunder swept the Spurs in the regular season, four games to nothing. Does Ibaka's presence really make this much of a difference? Apparently so.
Initially, there were rumors that Ibaka could miss the entire postseason, but now we are hearing that Ibaka could return for this series. Not only is it a possibility that Ibaka could return in the foreseeable future, but he may even play in game three. Ibaka's injury status with the team has been upgraded as "day to day."
Ibaka has proved to be the most valuable defensive player this postseason. The Spurs are scoring at will with their front court big men such as Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter. In game one alone, the Spurs scored 66 points in the pant. Even 6'1 Tony Parker is attacking the basket with little defensive pressure against him. Ibaka has proved to be a menace against Duncan in the past, but without him on the court the Spurs will continue to grab easy rebounds and second chance points.
Game three between the Spurs and Thunder is Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. EST on TNT.
For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow the Latin Post Sports on Twitter.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!