Emeka

Okafor

Despite it being a minor tweak, he did not play in the second half in a loss to the previously winless Warriors, leading to their first W of the season. This was the first game of his career that he didn’t grab at least 10 rebounds. Luckily, the Bobcats don’t play again until Tuesday, giving their wounded players time to recover. Expect Okafor to play on Tuesday against Utah.

Okafor has missed three games with an ankle injury, and his status when play resumes is not yet known.

Melvin Ely will likely start, as both Okafor and Primoz Brezec are doubtful. If both of them miss the game, Theron Smith is likely the other starter.

''It’s OK,’' Okafor said of his ankle. ''It’s a little sore after practicing, but it will be all right.’' He stayed an hour after practice yesterday to work on his shooting. The five-day break also helped starters Brevin Knight, Primoz Brezec, and Kareem Rush get over nagging injuries, so the Bobcats should be close to full strength.

Sounds like they dodged one here. It should be okay to leave Okafor in your fantasy lineup.

Melvin Ely, Jamal Sampson, and Theron Smith will split his minutes in the meantime.

Coach Bernie Bickerstaff isn’t certain at this point if Okafor will be ready by then.

He will have missed the minimum five games on the IL due to his sprained ankle. He’ll take the roster spot of Jamal Sampson, cut yesterday.

''I don’t like playing at 70 percent,’' Okafor said. ''It’s not good for yourself, it’s not good for the fans and it’s not good for the game.’' He needs to take the time off so he can return to meaningful play once it resumes.

Okafor had a surprising renaissance with the Pelicans last season and was brought in to be a camp body to work against Joel Embiid this preseason. Not sure what’s next for the 35-year-old, but this could be it.