Isaiah Joe Returns as Thunder Host Clippers in Key Western Conference Clash
The Oklahoma City Thunder are getting a key piece back in the lineup just in time for a marquee home matchup. Isaiah Joe is set to return Thursday night when OKC hosts the Los Angeles Clippers at Paycom Center, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
Joe has missed the last four games with a left knee contusion, but his return couldn’t come at a better time. The sharpshooting guard is in the middle of a breakout season, posting career highs across the board - 12.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game - while knocking down a scorching 41.9% of his attempts from beyond the arc. That kind of efficiency from deep has been a major weapon in the Thunder’s offensive arsenal, especially in a system that thrives on spacing and ball movement.
While Joe’s return is a boost, the Thunder will still be without several key rotation players. Isaiah Hartenstein is sidelined due to right soleus injury management, and Jaylin Williams remains out with right heel bursitis. OKC is also missing Nikola Topić and Thomas Sorber, both of whom continue to recover from surgeries.
This matchup marks the first leg of a back-to-back for the Thunder, who currently sit at a staggering 24-2 on the season. After hosting the Clippers, they’ll head north to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night - a road test that could have major implications in the Western Conference standings.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are dealing with their own injury woes. James Harden is out with a left calf contusion, joining a growing list of unavailable players that includes Bradley Beal (left hip fracture), Derrick Jones Jr. (right knee sprain), Yanic Konan Niederhauser (left knee soreness), and Chris Paul, who is currently not with the team.
With both teams shorthanded, this game will likely come down to which supporting cast can step up. For OKC, that means continued production from emerging stars and role players who’ve thrived in Mark Daigneault’s system. For L.A., it’s about finding offensive rhythm without two of their primary playmakers in Harden and Beal.
Thunder vs. Clippers Game Info:
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 18
- Time: 7 p.m. CST
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
- TV: Check local listings
Injury Report - Thunder:
- Isaiah Hartenstein - Out (right soleus injury management)
- Thomas Sorber - Out (ACL surgery recovery)
- Nikola Topić - Out (surgery recovery)
- Jaylin Williams - Out (right heel bursitis)
Injury Report - Clippers:
- James Harden - Out (left calf contusion)
- Bradley Beal - Out (left hip fracture)
- Derrick Jones Jr. - Out (right knee sprain)
- Yanic Konan Niederhauser - Out (left knee soreness)
- Chris Paul - Out (not with team)
Projected Starters - Los Angeles Clippers:
- Kris Dunn
- Bojan Bogdanović
- Kawhi Leonard
- John Collins
- Ivica Zubac
As the Thunder continue their hot start to the season, every game becomes a test of sustainability and depth. With Joe back in the mix and the Clippers down several key players, OKC has a prime opportunity to keep their momentum rolling - but in the NBA, nothing comes easy, especially against a team with Kawhi Leonard leading the charge.