Thunder and Mavericks Set to Face Off Without Key Starters Tonight
The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to confront the Dallas Mavericks tonight in a highly anticipated game. With a victory, the Thunder could improve their remarkable record to 22-1, matching the third-best start in NBA history. Despite the challenges posed by injuries, the Thunder seek to continue their strong run.
Key Players and Injuries
The Thunder’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has been essential to the team’s success this season. Alongside him, Jalen Williams has returned from a wrist injury, while Chet Holmgren is emerging as a potential All-Star. However, the Thunder will be without several key players:
- Brooks Barnhizer: Probable (G League)
- Isaiah Joe: Questionable (Left Knee Soreness)
- Branden Carlson: Available (Nasal Fracture)
- Alex Caruso: Out (Right Quad)
- Luguentz Dort: Out (Right Adductor)
- Isaiah Hartenstein: Out (Right Soleus)
- Thomas Sorber: Out (Right ACL)
- Nikola Topic: Out (N/A)
- Chris Youngblood: Probable (G League)
Mavericks’ Injury Report
The Mavericks are also grappling with injuries to key players. Notably, star guard Kyrie Irving remains sidelined. Here is the current injury status for the Mavericks:
- Dante Exum: Out (Right Knee)
- Cooper Flagg: Available (Right Thumb)
- Daniel Gafford: Out (Right Ankle)
- Kyrie Irving: Out (Left Knee)
- Dereck Lively II: Out (Right Foot)
- PJ Washington: Out (Right Ankle)
Previous Encounter
This matchup comes after an earlier encounter this season, where the Thunder narrowly edged out the Mavericks. The Thunder will need to maintain their focus in the fourth quarter once again to secure a win.
Game Details
The Thunder and Mavericks will tip off tonight at 8:30 p.m. CT in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Both teams are expected to rely heavily on their remaining roster depth to fill the gaps left by absent players.
Stay tuned for updates and highlights on El-Balad following the game.
