THE Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a blow when Nerlens Noel hurt his ankle, but coach Billy Donovan expects him to be back in practice in a few days.
The Thunder big man, who earlier this year has dealt with ankle issues, has missed several days of practice, the Thunder coach revelaled on Saturday (Monday, Manila time).
Donovan did not provide further details, but Oklahoma City is careful not to aggravate the injury even as Noel is still able to move around the training area.
"He's been able to jog through some non-contact stuff," Donovan was quoted as saying by USA Today.
"But we've been really over precautious with him when we've done anything live ... just to make sure that we get him to a good place health wise."
NBA scrimmages are set, with the Thunder facing the Boston Celtics on July 24, Philadelphia 76ers on July 26 and Portland Trail Blazers on July 28.
The NBA season resumes on July 30 with the Jazz facing the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the LA Clippers.
The Thunder face the Jazz on Aug. 2.
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