The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Wednesday that center Nerlens Noel sustained a concussion after an elbow to the head in Tuesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Noel was struck by Andrew Wiggins‘ elbow and the team said he lost consciousness while being knocked to the floor at the 5:16 mark of the third quarter.
Noel has been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol.
Noel was held overnight at OU Hospital for tests and observations and was released Wednesday.
Per the NBA’s Concussion Policy, Noel will now begin the NBA-mandated Return-to-Participation Protocol. He can’t resume basketball activities until it is determined that he is symptom-free.
There is no timetable to complete the protocol,
In 39 games (one start) this season, Noel is averaging 5.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.44 blocks in 13.7 minutes