Uh Oh: Serge Ibaka's Reportedly Having Knee Surgery

The Thunder just cannot catch a goddamn break. After limping through almost an entire season with one or both of their superstars on the shelf, they are now sending power forward Serge Ibaka to New York for a knee procedure, according to ESPN.

There aren't many details regarding what exactly is wrong with Ibaka or how long he might be out of action, but ESPN's report describes the procedure as a "clean-out":

Ibaka has missed the Thunder's last two games with what the team has called knee soreness. He will see a specialist for further evaluation, with the expectation for him to have a clean-out procedure in order to be ready for the postseason.

This wouldn't be a huge deal if the Thunder were a lock to make the postseason, but they are still scrapping for the eight seed with the New Orleans Pelicans, and the team has yet to set a specific date for when Kevin Durant might return to provide some help for the one-man army that is Russell Westbrook. The Thunder really can't afford any kind of slide at this point in the season, and missing their defensive anchor, even if it's just for a few games, is not going to make things any easier.

[ ESPN]