Basketball: Steven Adams to miss showdown with Warriors

Steven Adams slams home a duck against the Chicago Bulls earlier in the month. Photo / AP

Oklahoma City centre Steven Adams will miss tomorrow's showdown against the Golden State Warriors as he remains in the league's concussion protocol.

Adams yesterday missed the Thunder's loss against the Clippers after falling to the ground and banging his head on the court during Monday's win over the Kings.

The Kiwi was dealing with symptoms that required him to enter the NBA's mandated concussion protocol and, ahead of tomorrow's clash with the Warriors, failed to receive clearance to return to the court.

His absence will be a big blow to Oklahoma City's chances of upsetting Golden State, given Adams was sorely missed at both ends of the court in yesterday's heavy defeat in Los Angeles.

Tomorrow's game will be the second meeting between Kevin Durant and his former teammates, after the Warriors forward grabbed 39 points against the Thunder in a big win in November.

Durant's switch to Golden State (35-6) has so far proved profitable, while Oklahoma City (25-18) are stuck in a battle for the minor playoff places despite the incredible efforts of point guard Russell Westbrook.