TITLE: Thunder rest key players; Nuggets, Blazers and Wolves issue injury updates across Northwest Division
SLUG: northwest-injury-roundup-thunder-nuggets-hardaway-blazers-wolves
CONTENT:
Oklahoma City will face Denver on Friday without most of its regular rotation. After locking up the No. 1 seed and the league’s best record on Wednesday, the Thunder ruled out 10 players, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right oblique injury management), Chet Holmgren (low back spasms), Jalen Williams (right hamstring injury management) and Cason Wallace (left great toe soreness).
Denver could also be short-handed. With Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones already sidelined by hamstring strains, the Nuggets listed Nikola Jokić (right wrist injury management), Jamal Murray (right shoulder impingement) and Aaron Gordon (right hamstring injury management) as questionable for the same matchup.
Nuggets lobby for Hardaway Jr. as Sixth Man
Denver is actively promoting Tim Hardaway Jr. for Sixth Man of the Year honors. The 34-year-old wing is averaging 13.5 points while shooting 44.9% from the field, 40.9% from three and 81.3% at the line over 79 appearances, 74 of them off the bench. “He’s really a starter for us,” Murray said Wednesday, praising Hardaway’s consistency, defense and leadership.
Portland upgrades Sharpe and Krejci
The Trail Blazers listed Shaedon Sharpe (left fibula stress reaction) and Vit Krejci (left calf contusion) as questionable for Friday’s game against the Clippers. Sharpe has not played since Feb. 6, while Krejci has been out since Mar. 15. A victory would give Portland control of the race for the West’s No. 8 seed heading into Sunday’s regular-season finale.
Wolves optimistic on Edwards
Anthony Edwards, limited to two appearances in Minnesota’s last 12 contests because of a knee issue and a recent illness, is questionable for Friday in Houston. The Timberwolves expect the All-Star guard to play if he responds well during morning shootaround. Center Rudy Gobert will sit a second consecutive game for rest after appearing in 76 of the team’s first 79 outings.
Source: Hoops Rumors
