Kendrick Perkins Injury: Updates on Thunder Center's Ankle

Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins suffered a left ankle sprain during the team’s game Friday night, according to John Rodhe of The Oklahoman (via Twitter).

"

Kendrick Perkins -- left ankle sprain. Day-to-Day. #thunder

— John Rohde (@RohdeOK) November 3, 2012"

Perkins went to the locker room with under five minutes to play after colliding with a Porland Trail Blazers player. He finished with zero points, just three rebounds and one block in 21 minutes.

That was the second consecutive poor performance in as many games to start the season for the Thunder’s starting center.

Kevin Durant has been the team’s leading rebounder through the OKC's opening two games. He pulled down 14 in the opener and 17 Friday night against Portland (15.5 RPG).

If Perkins does miss any time, Hasheem Thabeet could possibly move into the starting lineup. Also, the team could go with a smaller lineup by shifting Serge Ibaka into that role, which he fills at times throughout games.

Nick Collison came up big as part of a front-court rotation consisting of Ibaka, Thabeet and Perkins. He finished with 12 points and five rebounds in 28 minutes of action.

The slow start by Perkins and any lingering effects of this injury may open a door for both Collison and Thabeet to earn more playing time and perhaps a permanent starting gig if they can impress Scott Brooks.

In 2011-12, Perkins recorded near-career lows in every statistical category, despite remaining healthy and starting 65 games for the Thunder. His five points and six boards per game leave much to be desired. Despite him being regarded as a defensive presence down low, he averaged just one block per game, as well.

Check back with Bleacher Report for updates on when Perkins and all your other favorite NBA stars will be available.

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