PHOENIX – Thunder rookie Hamidou Diallo is set to start against the Suns Saturday at Talking Stick Resort Arena, while Terrance Ferguson and Russell Westbrook are away for personal reasons, Thunder coach Billy Donovan said before the game.
Shooting guard Alex Abrines remains out with flu-like symptoms, but he did travel with the team, according to Donovan.
Diallo will replace Ferguson in the starting lineup, earning his first NBA start. The rookie shooting guard is averaging six points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
"We’ll have to utilize some different guys in some different spots," Donovan said at shootaround Saturday afternoon.