Thunder vs. Bucks Preview: OKC Looks to Stay Hot Despite Mounting Injuries
The Oklahoma City Thunder are rolling. Winners of four straight and sitting at 42-13, they’ve established themselves as one of the league’s most well-rounded teams heading into the All-Star break.
But Thursday night’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks at Paycom Center (6:30 p.m. CST) comes with a twist - and it’s not the kind Thunder fans were hoping for.
In Wednesday’s 136-109 blowout win over the Phoenix Suns, OKC didn’t just pick up another win - they also picked up a couple of injury concerns. Chet Holmgren exited the game early with what appeared to be a left shoulder injury, while Jalen Williams left with a right hamstring issue. Neither returned, and with this being the final game before the break, there’s a good chance the Thunder play it safe.
That could leave OKC without two of its most important young stars, joining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell, who have both missed time recently with abdominal strains. It’s a tough pill for any team to swallow, but if there’s one thing this Thunder squad has proven, it’s that they’re deeper than most.
Next Man Up Mentality
Assuming Holmgren and Williams are sidelined, the Thunder will likely lean on a starting group of Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort, Kenrich Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein. That’s a gritty, defensive-minded unit - one that can still push the pace and make life difficult for opponents, especially at home.
Lu Dort will likely take on a heavier offensive load, and don’t be surprised if Kenrich Williams - the ultimate glue guy - finds a way to impact the game on both ends. Hartenstein’s presence in the paint will be key, especially if OKC wants to control the boards and keep Milwaukee’s bigs from getting comfortable.
Milwaukee’s Shorthanded Too
The Bucks, sitting at 22-30, are also navigating their own injury issues. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains out with a strained right calf, and without their MVP centerpiece, Milwaukee has struggled to find consistency.
In their 116-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, the Bucks relied on a makeshift starting five featuring Kevin Porter Jr., AJ Green, Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims, and Myles Turner. It’s a group with some offensive punch, but it lacks the defensive bite and interior presence that Giannis brings every night.
Still, Milwaukee’s not a team to overlook. Kuzma can heat up in a hurry, and Porter Jr. has shown flashes of shot creation that can swing a quarter. But without Giannis, this team has to play near-perfect basketball to hang with the league’s elite - especially on the road.
Betting Outlook
As of Thursday morning, the Thunder are 12.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 215.5. That’s a sizable spread, especially given the injury uncertainty for OKC. But it speaks to the confidence oddsmakers have in the Thunder’s depth and their ability to defend home court.
The moneyline currently sits at OKC -650, Milwaukee +475 - a reflection of just how steep the climb is for the Bucks without their superstar.
Prediction
Even with a potentially depleted roster, OKC has shown time and time again that they can win with different lineups. Their system is built on ball movement, defensive versatility, and unselfishness - traits that don’t disappear when a few stars are out.
If Holmgren and Williams sit, the Thunder will need contributions from up and down the roster. But against a Bucks team missing Giannis and still searching for rhythm, OKC’s depth should give them the edge.
Projected Score: Thunder 112, Bucks 106
This one might not be pretty, but it’s the kind of game that shows why the Thunder are built for the long haul. Even when the stars are sidelined, the system holds - and that’s the mark of a true contender.