Injury-Riddled Thunder Host Bucks Without Key Players

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma City Thunder, severely depleted by injuries, prepare to face the Milwaukee Bucks at the Paycom Center on Monday at 7 p.m. CST. The Thunder (38-9) will be without Jalen Williams (wrist), Alex Caruso (ankle), and Cason Wallace (shoulder), significantly impacting their defensive capabilities. Milwaukee (26-21) arrives without their star Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Damian Lillard (groin), and Khris Middleton (ankle). The Bucks aim to bounce back from a 132-119 loss to Memphis on Sunday.

Despite the absence of key players, the Thunder remain favored by 15.5 points, according to odds from FanDuel Sports Network. Oklahoma City has shown resilience this season, maintaining the best record in the Western Conference. ‘We’ve faced injuries before, and our depth has always stepped up,’ said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. ‘We’re confident in the guys we have.’

Milwaukee, however, faces a tough challenge without Antetokounmpo, who previously dominated the Thunder with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in their last meeting. ‘We need everyone to contribute,’ Bucks coach Adrian Griffin commented. ‘It’s about stepping up collectively when we’re missing our leaders.’

Key players to watch include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder, who continues to lead the team in scoring, and Bucks’ Bobby Portis, who is expected to play a significant role. The game marks a crucial test for both teams’ depth and determination this season.

The matchup will be broadcast on the FanDuel Sports Network. Fans can join the discussion on social media via @Rylan_Stiles, host of the Locked On Thunder Podcast and Lead Beat Writer for Inside the Thunder.