Serge Ibaka will not play in Friday's tilt against the 76ers in order to rest, Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman reports.

Ibaka will not play in Friday's tilt against the 76ers in order to rest, Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman reports.

Analysis:

Ibaka is the first member of the Thunder to sit out a game in order to rest this season. The big man has been averaging 31 minutes a contest in March and hasn't missed a game all season so a night off seems necessary as the Thunder gear up for the playoffs. Look for Nick Collison and Mitch McGary to pick up extra minutes in Ibaka's absence.