Ajay Mitchell’s availability is the big question hanging over the Oklahoma City Thunder as they get ready to face the LA Clippers in NBA Cup play.
Mitchell is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain after sitting out Oklahoma City’s last game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Thunder were already dealing with the absence of Jalen Williams, and Mitchell’s missed game came in the second half of back-to-back defeats to Portland.
In Mitchell’s place, Alex Caruso started and finished with 14 points, but Oklahoma City still felt the loss of Mitchell’s scoring touch against a Trail Blazers defense that made life difficult on the perimeter.
That absence mattered because Mitchell has taken on a larger role with Jalen Williams sidelined by a serious ankle injury. Over eight starts, Mitchell has been producing 21 points per game while shooting 54% from the field, giving the Thunder a reliable second scoring option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The extra day of rest gives Mitchell a better chance to suit up, but nothing is locked in yet. For now, his status against the Clippers remains up in the air.
Oklahoma City’s injury list also includes Chet Holmgren, who is out with a right knee injury recovery; Thomas Sorber, out after right knee surgery; Nikola Topic, out on G League assignment; Cason Wallace, out after left shoulder surgery; Jalen Williams, out after left ankle surgery; and Jaylin Williams, out with low back spasms.
The Clippers’ report is just as crowded. Bradley Beal is out for right knee injury management, Brandon Ingram is out after right heel surgery, Nick Martinelli is out on a G League two-way, Jordan Miller is out following left rotator cuff surgery, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser is out after right Lisfranc surgery.
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Clippers Catch Thunder With Another Rotation Question Before Tipoff
The Thunder head into Los Angeles trying to steady themselves after consecutive losses to the Trail Blazers, and the injury picture is still shaping the matchup before tipoff. Oklahoma City remains without several key pieces, including Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace and Jalen Williams, leaving the rotation thinner than usual as the team prepares for a 9:30 p.m. CT start against the Clippers.
Ajay Mitchells status adds another layer of uncertainty after he sprained his ankle against Portland, leaving the Thunder with one more decision to monitor before they take the floor. On the other side of the ledger, Nikola Topic is back available after returning from injury, giving Oklahoma City at least one more option as it tries to navigate a short-handed night in Los Angeles. [Read more 🡒]