Oklahoma City Thunder aims for historic start against injury-stricken Phoenix Suns
On Wednesday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder will take the court against the Phoenix Suns in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. A victory would not only secure their place in the semifinals but also set the stage for a showdown with either the San Antonio Spurs or the Los Angeles Lakers. Last year, the Thunder reached the NBA Cup final, only to fall to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in a lopsided defeat.
Thunder’s Remarkable Season So Far
Oklahoma City has been on a historic trajectory this season, boasting an impressive 23-1 record. This achievement places them among the best starts in NBA history. At the helm is reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is supported by a talented roster that has effectively leveraged defense to fuel a dynamic two-way game. Should they triumph over the Suns tonight, the Thunder will match the legendary 24-1 start of the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, a team that ultimately set the record for the most wins in a single season with 73.
Currently, Oklahoma City is performing at a staggering pace, projected to win 78 games if they maintain their momentum. However, tonight’s matchup could be influenced by the health of both teams, especially given the Suns’ injury woes.
Injury Reports Ahead of the Matchup
As both teams prepare for this critical game, the injury reports reveal significant challenges for the Suns:
OKC Thunder injuries:
Isaiah Hartenstein — Out: Right soleus
Isaiah Joe — Out: Left knee contusion
Thomas Sorber — Out: Right ACL
Nikola Topic — Out: N/A
Phoenix Suns injuries:
Devin Booker — Questionable: Right groin
Jalen Green — Out: Right hamstring
Isaiah Livers — Out: Right hip
The Thunder are fortunate to report a relatively clean injury list for this matchup. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has returned after dealing with an elbow injury, while Luguentz Dort is also back in action after recovering from an adductor strain. However, they will still be without starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who is nearing the end of his re-evaluation period for a strain. Additionally, sharpshooter Isaiah Joe is sidelined due to a left knee contusion.
On the other hand, the Suns face uncertainty with their star player, Devin Booker, who is listed as questionable due to a right groin strain, with his re-evaluation window opening today. Newly acquired Jalen Green is also unavailable, alongside Isaiah Livers, further complicating Phoenix’s chances.
Game Day Details
The Thunder and Suns are set to tip off at 6 p.m. CT tonight in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will look to capitalize on their strong season and the Suns’ injury struggles. As the stakes rise, both teams are aware that every possession counts in this high-pressure tournament setting.
