Oklahoma City Thunder defy odds with remarkable 15-1 start despite injury setbacks
The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season, holding the league’s best record at 15-1. This impressive feat comes despite a roster grappling with significant injury challenges. As they prepare to face off against the Utah Jazz, the defending champions are eager to maintain their dominance.
Strong Home and Road Performance
The Thunder have showcased their prowess on both home and away courts. They remain unbeaten at home with a perfect 7-0 record, while also boasting an impressive 8-1 mark on the road. Their only setback occurred during a grueling back-to-back against the Portland Trail Blazers. As the team navigates the final week of their Western Conference Group A pool play, they continue their pursuit of the NBA Cup—currently holding a 1-0 record and a solid +31 point differential, which positions them well for the coveted wild card spot.
In the competitive landscape of Group A, the Minnesota Timberwolves lead with a 2-0 record and a remarkable +54 differential. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns sit at 1-0 but trail Oklahoma City in point differential with +22. The Jazz and Sacramento Kings are struggling at the bottom of the group, both sitting at 0-2, with the Jazz facing a daunting -62 point differential.
Injury Concerns Mount
As they gear up for the matchup against Utah, the Thunder will be without their key scorer, All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams, who is still recovering from offseason wrist surgery. They will also miss Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, and Nikola Topic, while rookie Thomas Sorber continues to sit out for the season due to a torn ACL.
The Jazz are facing their own injury woes, losing Walker Kessler for the season. Georges Niang joins him on the sidelines, and big man Kyle Filipowski is currently listed as questionable. Despite these setbacks, Utah has shown resilience, holding a 5-9 record overall.
What’s at Stake
This game carries additional significance for both teams. Oklahoma City holds Utah’s top-eight protected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, adding layers to an already critical matchup. As the Jazz look to improve their standing, they enter the game having lost seven of their last ten, making this contest pivotal for their playoff aspirations.
Key Players to Watch
The Thunder are hoping to see a resurgence in their three-point shooting, which has fluctuated significantly. After finishing October at the bottom of the league in this category, they began to find their rhythm in November, but a recent outing against Sacramento saw them shoot just 26% from beyond the arc. To enhance their chances of victory, they will need a strong performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who could thrive against Utah’s defense that lacks a reliable point-of-attack defender.
Lu Dort has also found his shooting touch, hitting four three-pointers in back-to-back games. The Thunder will look to see if he can keep that momentum going. Additionally, they will face the challenge of containing Lauri Markkanen, who is averaging an impressive 30 points per game. The Thunder’s double-big lineup, featuring Chet Holmgren on the perimeter and Isaiah Hartenstein inside, will be crucial in their efforts to limit his impact.
Game Details
Date: Nov. 21
Matchup: OKC Thunder (15-1) vs. Utah Jazz (5-9)
Time: 9:00 PM CT
Location: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
TV: FanDuel Sports Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM)
Following this contest, the Thunder will return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers, aiming to avenge their lone loss of the season. The excitement surrounding Oklahoma City continues to grow as they navigate through the early part of the season.
