KZ Okpala update and schedule outlook
KZ Okpala, the 32nd overall pick in the 2019 draft, traded for by the Miami Heat, was assigned to the Sioux Falls Skyforce for playing time following his recovery from an Achilles injury. This injury sidelined him for most of November. In his first two games for the Force, Okpala is putting up 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and one steal per game.
As for what lies ahead for the Force, the team’s next game comes on December 17, when it takes on the 9-6 Texas Legends, who have Portland Trail Blazer’s two-way player Jaylen Hoard on board. Then the Force takes on the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario, G-League affiliate of the LA Clippers, that sit at 5-7. The Clippers are led by Johnathan Motley.
After this, the Skyforce will take on the very strong Memphis Hustle, who are led by Jarrod Uthoff and Dusty Hannahs, who both average around 20 points per game.
If the Force can go 2-1 here, it would be advantageous for getting back into the playoff race. After this tough stretch, the team gets to take on the Oklahoma City Blue twice in a row, a team that is 4-9.