The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading into Milwaukee on Wednesday night for their first showdown of the season with the Bucks - and they’re doing it with a roster that’s more than a little banged up. But if Monday’s performance against Cleveland was any indication, this Thunder team isn’t about to let injuries slow them down.
Oklahoma City rolled past the Cavaliers 136-104, and they did it without several key rotation players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to make his MVP case with a smooth 30-point outing, while rookie big man Chet Holmgren added 28 of his own, showcasing the kind of offensive versatility that’s made him one of the league’s most impactful first-year players. Even shorthanded, the Thunder looked locked in - fast, fluid, and fearless.
But they’ll need every ounce of that energy against a Bucks squad that’s also trying to find its rhythm. Milwaukee eked out a 112-110 win over the Hawks on Monday, a game that was closer than they might’ve liked, but a win nonetheless. Giannis Antetokounmpo did what he does best - dominate the glass and impose his will - finishing with 21 points and 17 rebounds in a performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of the most physically overwhelming forces in the NBA.
The injury report paints a stark contrast between these two teams right now. Oklahoma City is missing a full rotation’s worth of players.
Jalen Williams (hamstring), Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus), Alex Caruso (adductor), Nikola Topic (testicular surgery), and Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) are all out. Jaylin Williams is questionable with a glute contusion.
That’s a lot of length, defense, and playmaking sidelined - and it puts even more pressure on SGA and Holmgren to carry the load.
Milwaukee, on the other hand, is in a slightly better spot health-wise. Myles Turner (ankle) and Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) are both questionable, while Taurean Prince remains out following neck surgery.
Alex Antetokounmpo is also unavailable as part of his G League two-way status. Not ideal, but certainly not the same level of attrition the Thunder are facing.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. CT at Fiserv Forum. It’s a game that features two very different storylines: the Thunder, one of the league’s best teams, trying to keep momentum alive despite a depleted roster - and the Bucks, looking to build consistency and chemistry as they push through the middle stretch of the season.
Given the talent on both sides, and the stakes in terms of conference positioning and team identity, this one should be well worth the watch.