The Oklahoma City Thunder are back on their home floor Tuesday night, set to host the Orlando Magic in what will be the first meeting between these two teams this season. And while both squads are coming off very different results on Sunday, injuries could be the real headline heading into this one.
Let’s start with the Thunder. At 39-11, they’ve been one of the league’s most consistent and dangerous teams all year.
Their latest win - a 121-111 statement over the defending champion Denver Nuggets - was another reminder of just how potent they can be when everything’s clicking. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was, once again, the engine that made it all go.
He poured in 34 points and dished out 13 assists, and did it with the kind of poise and efficiency that’s made him a legitimate MVP candidate this season.
But it wasn’t just SGA doing the damage. Rookie guard Cason Wallace had a breakout performance, dropping a career-high 27 points.
Wallace has shown flashes throughout the season, but this was a full-on spotlight moment - and it came against one of the league’s toughest opponents. If he can keep building on that, the Thunder’s already-deep backcourt rotation gets even more dangerous.
The Magic, on the other hand, are coming off a disappointing 112-103 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Desmond Bane led the way with 25 points, but the offense as a whole never quite found its rhythm. Paolo Banchero finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds - solid numbers, but Orlando needed more from their All-Star forward to keep pace.
Now, both teams are staring down a long injury list that could significantly alter Tuesday’s matchup.
For the Thunder, it’s a laundry list of question marks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is dealing with a finger sprain and is listed as questionable.
Same goes for Chet Holmgren, who’s managing back spasms. Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus injury), Jaylin Williams (shoulder contusion), and Alex Caruso (adductor strain) are all on the report as well - with Caruso leaning toward doubtful.
Jalen Williams (hamstring), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal), Nikola Topic (testicular surgery), and Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) are all ruled out.
That’s a lot of firepower potentially missing from the Thunder’s rotation, and depending on who suits up, this could be a very different-looking OKC squad than the one that just knocked off Denver.
Orlando isn’t coming in at full strength either. Franz Wagner, arguably their most complete player, is out as he continues to manage an ankle injury. The Magic will also be without Colin Castleton, who remains with their G League affiliate on a two-way contract.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT in Oklahoma City, and while the Thunder have been dominant at home, the injury situation adds a layer of unpredictability.
If SGA and Holmgren can go, Oklahoma City should still have the edge. But if the Thunder are forced to lean heavily on their bench again, Orlando could have a window to steal one on the road.
Either way, this one’s shaping up to be more than just a midseason matchup - it’s a test of depth, resilience, and who can rise when the stars are sidelined.