Billy Donovan: Injured Oladipo 'can't do anything with his right hand'

After Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Oklahoma City Thunder (16-12) have dropped three of their last four games — all of which have been played without guard Victor Oladipo, who has been sidelined with a wrist injury since taking a hard fall against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 11 — and now sit in seventh place in the Western Conference. 

According to coach Billy Donovan, Oladipo is "getting better and progressing," but the team's second-leading scorer still "can't do anything with his right hand right now."

"Based on the MRI he went through, based on our medical team consulting with the doctor, there's no need for surgery," Donovan said Monday, via The Oklahoman. "He's got swelling. He's got discomfort. He has a lack of mobility. He has pain when he's in certain positions.

"My understanding is that if he really forces this thing and tries to come back too fast, it could be something that's going to be prolonged."

Oladipo, who the Thunder acquired in a draft-day trade involving Serge Ibaka, Ersan Ilyasova and Domantas Sabonis, is averaging 16.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and boasts the team's top defensive rating (98.7). He's also shooting a career-high 45.5% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc (2.1 makes) and has proven to be a valuable asset on both ends of the floor alongside MVP candidate Russell Westbrook. 

Until Oladipo returns, Anthony Morrow and Jerami Grant will continue to try and fill the void left at the two-guard spot. They've both started two games in Oladipo's absence and are averaging 6.5 and 6.6 points per game this season, respectively. 

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