Oklahoma City Thunder: The Injury Shuffle

Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks has become a master at juggling an injury-plagued roster this season. It seems that on this team, as soon as one player heals, it's time for another player to be injured.

While Brooks has done an amazing job at managing this nagging issue and has been fortunate enough not to lose his main scorers, it has inevitably affected the depth and rotation of the team. Let's take a look at the "Thunder's Injury Shuffle." 

Eric Maynor

Backup guard Eric Maynor was lost for the season with a knee injury in the January 7th game against the Houston Rockets. Maynor was a solid backup for starting guard Russell Westbrook, averaging 4.2 points, 2.4 assists, and around 15 minutes per game.

This injury caused added minutes on Westbrook and a lack of depth on the bench. Hopefully, with the addition of Derek Fisher, this will change.  

Thabo Sefolosha

Shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha missed 23 consecutive games due to a foot injury this season.

While the Thunder were able to push on without the talented guard, his defensive prowess was a very evident missing factor on the floor. He has since returned to the floor, appearing in the March 15th win against the Denver Nuggets. 

Daequan Cook

Shortly after the return of Thabo Sefolosha, guard Daequan Cook injured his knee in the March 20th game versus the Utah Jazz. The injury is considered to be a mild MCL sprain and he is expected to be back in about two-to-three weeks.

While Sefolosha will obviously increase his minutes on the floor and Lazar Haywood will certainly see more playing time in Cook's absence, this injury will unquestionably affect the Thunder's depth as well.