The OKC Thunder are in dreamland. Firmly perched atop the Western Conference is a team filled with young talents that are taking the NBA by storm, this season. Among them is Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, who is making his claims heard about the league MVP this season.
As an obvious competition, the Canadian International has 3-time MVP Nikola Jokić, but considering the Thunder’s 60-12 record, the difference seems comprehensive. Coming into the matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Thunder have multiple injury concerns, which include the likes of Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins.
However, fortunately for OKC, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is fit and firing, and ready to further his pursuit of individual brilliance. SGA is due for a big game. After missing out against the 76ers due to rest, as per ESPN, he has scored 30, 26, and 32 points in three straight wins, and the Grizzlies will have to beware. But while SGA is expected to suit up, OKC has got other players on their IR that might give the Grizzlies an upper hand still.
Oct 17, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) runs down the court after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Alex Ducas (quadriceps), Ousmane Dieng (calf), and Aaron Wiggins (Achilles) have been ruled out. Jalen Williams (hip) and Cason Wallace (knee) are listed as questionable, while Nikola Topic (knee) continues his recovery with light shooting drills.
So does this mean the Memphis Grizzlies, powered by their recent win over Jazz, will have another victorious night before they head home? Well, that can be contested. The Grizzlies have ruled out star point guard Ja Morant because of a left hamstring; thus making it the sixth consecutive game he has missed.
The Grizzlies won’t just be without their two-time NBA All-Star but also Marvin Bagley III (Concussion Protocol), Brandon Clarke (RT Knee PCL Sprain), GG Jackson II (NBA G League Assignment), Yuki Kawamura (Two-Way Transfer), and Zyon Pullin (RT Patellar Tendon Surgery).
Considering the lack of changes on the injury front, OKC is expected to line up exactly with the same starting 5, as last time. But, what about the Memphis Grizzlies? Well, let’s see what the starting lineup looks like for both teams.
OKC Thunder’s depth chart
Chet Holmgren and Kenrich Williams should line up as the forwards, with Luguentz Dortz lining up alongside SGA as the point guard. Isaiah Hartenstein should once again get the nod as the center.
Starter
2nd
PG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Alex Caruso
SG
Cason Wallace
Isiah Joe
SF
Luguentz Dort
Aaron Wiggins (O)
PF
Jalen Williams
Kenrich Williams
C
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein
SGA has been in MVP-caliber form this season, playing 61 games and averaging 32.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Despite the injuries at hand, OKC can be expected to continue their run, which could make it their 8th win on the trot.
Memphis Grizzlies depth chart
Given the Grizzlies’ injury report, their depth will be tested once again. With Ja Morant missing his sixth straight game due to a hamstring injury, the team will rely on Scotty Pippen Jr. to run the offense.
Starter
2nd
PG
Ja Morant (O)
Scotty Pippen Jr.
SG
Desmond Bane
Luke Kennard.
SF
Jaylen Wells
Vince Williams Jr.
PF
Santi Aldama
Jaren Jackson Jr.
C
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Zach Edey
Additionally, the absence of key rotational players like Marvin Bagley III and Brandon Clarke weakens their frontcourt depth, making Jaren Jackson Jr.’s role even more crucial. With multiple players either injured or on G League assignments, the Grizzlies will have to lean on their young talent to step up if they hope to secure another win before heading home.
Needless to say, Grizzlies @ Oklahoma will be a fun one to watch. Tune in on Thursday at 8 PM EST in Oklahoma City to see which team gets the last word.
The post Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Playing Tonight? All Details On OKC’s Injury Report Ahead of Memphis Grizzlies Clash appeared first on EssentiallySports.
