After re-aggravating his strained right hip in the third quarter of Game 1, Kendrick Perkins is a gametime decision for Game 2, Scott Brooks said at practice Tuesday.
Perkins re-injured the hip on a dunk in the third quarter as the Thunder began to blow out the Lakers. Perkins returned to the Thunder bench after immediately going to the locker room and was said to be available to return, but Oklahoma City was so far ahead it wasn’t necessary.
Brooks said after the game that Perk would be re-evaluated and get treatment. He did not practice Tuesday.
In Perk’s place, Nazr Mohammed performed especially well defending Andrew Bynum while also providing a nice little offensive spark. That was nice for the Thunder, but not something they can completely rely upon. Mohammed is a quality veteran backup big, but Perk is one of the best Bynum defenders in the league.
If Perkins is out though, that would mean second-year center Cole Aldrich would likely need to play meaningful minutes, something he hasn’t really done at all during his time in the league.
Perkins originally injured the hip in Game 4 against the Mavericks.
Interesting take on Ron Artest's actual defensive value on Truehoop TV
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/scoreboard
They need perkins if they want to win it all! i wrote all about hwo t bet the next game for the celts and okc right here so come by read and enjoy! http://nbawagers.com/2012/05/which-wacky-wednesday-matchup-will-wet-our-gambling-whistle/
Nazr looked well rested and was sort of effective. Next to Ibaka I have some confidence in his abilities. Next to Nick, I think there'd be a severe disadvantage on the defensive boards.
Nazr has a history of stepping up in the playoffs, but he was bad last year and has been in and out of the rotation to close the regular season. Game 2 might get interesting.
@justin_mia I've seen it said elsewhere, but I think where we'll miss Perk more is offensive screen setting. Nick sets great screens, but Perks tend to knock defenders on their butt. That can be huge.