Thunder-Warriors Pre-Game Notes

OAKLAND, Calif. — We’re about 30 minutes away from the opening tip here at Oracle Arena. I just got out of the locker room, and coach P.J. Carlesimo still was undecided on which starting lineup he’s going with tonight. Here’s what we do know…..more injury woes!

Joe Smith is out. He fractured his nose in last night’s game when Russell Westbrook inadvertently elbowed him in the grill. He’ll have to get the thing popped back in place next week. The thing is leaning to the left. Pretty disgusting stuff. He’ll likely have to wear one of those Richard Hamilton facemask for the next few weeks.

Desmond Mason is also out. He sustained a knee contusion while trying to take a charge on Kings guard Kevin Martin. It’s also Mason’s birthday.

Kevin Durant is in the starting lineup again.

I asked Durant the obligatory question about today’s OU-Texas game, and he treaded lightly, not wanting to fan the flames. I’ll have a note on it in Sunday’s paper.

In Warriors news, Golden State announced today that Monta Ellis will be suspended for 30 games without pay for failing to come clean about his infamous offseason moped accident that will cause him to miss most of this season. Also, former Duke guard DeMarcus Nelson is supposed to get the start tonight at point guard over recently acquired guard Marcus Williams.