OKC’s Ibaka Expected to Play after Injuring Ankle

Thunder forward Serge Ibaka practiced Friday and is expected play Saturday against Memphis.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:23 pm

By: News On 6

OKC’s Ibaka Expected to Play after Injuring Ankle

Originally Published: May 6, 2011 10:24 AM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY—After injuring his left ankle in Tuesday’s second round playoff game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Thunder starting forward Serge Ibaka participated in practice Friday and is expected to play Saturday.

Thunder head coach Scott Brooks told the media after practice Friday that Ibaka practiced with the team and that he will play in Game 3.

The injury was suffered during the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game two against the Memphis and the six-foot-ten-inch forward was held out of practice for precautionary reasons Thursday.

Before twisting his ankle in Game 2, Ibaka also hurt his right knee, but it has since healed and has not been an issue.

Ibaka not only leads the team in blocks, but he also leads the NBA in blocked shots this season with 4.43 blocks per game. He has also tallied four double-doubles this post-season alone.

Game three of the second round between the Thunder and the Grizzlies is set for Saturday at 4 p.m. and will be televised by ESPN. The series is currently tied 1-1.