The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon. And if the official injury report is anything to go by, the defending champions will go into this match with a significantly reduced staff.
Alex Caruso joins franchise cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forward Jalen Williams as all three are not expected to play, according to the official injury report. Caruso has been officially ruled out due to a sprained left ankle suffered during Oklahoma City's 105-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
MVP contender Gilgeous-Alexander has been sidelined with an abdominal strain while Williams is out with a strained right hamstring. However, this is not the end of the injury problems for the Thunder, with Ajay Mitchell and Thomas Sorber also unavailable for this game.
The Thunder enter this game as the clear favorites with a record of 43–14. However, they face a team that is most expected to emerge as title contenders, especially after the acquisition of James Harden, who has performed strongly on the floor. Apart from the absences, that means OKC could have a lot going on against the Cavs.
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Injury status of Alex Caruso, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams vs. Cavaliers
Alex Caruso missed Oklahoma City's 105-86 win over Brooklyn with an injury, and the Thunder will take a cautious approach given his importance. Caruso continues to be one of Oklahoma City's most destructive perimeter defenders and has the potential to perform well in the postseason.
This injury becomes even more damaging, as Oklahoma City is already without two of its primary offensive creators. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams represent a major part of their offensive threat, which puts more pressure on players like Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
thunderbolt injury report
Outside:
Alex Caruso: left ankle sprain
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Abdominal strain
Jalen Williams: right hamstring strain
Ajay Mitchell: Abdominal strain/sprain in left ankle
Thomas Sorber: Perfect ACL Surgical Recovery
cavaliers injury report
Outside:
Max Straus: Jones fracture surgery of left leg
Riley Minix: G League Two-Way
Tristan Enaruna: G League Two-Way
