OKC Thunder Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Utah Jazz Clash

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7) will host the struggling Utah Jazz (10-31) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Paycom Center. Despite injuries to key players, the Thunder aim to extend their dominant season against a Jazz team mired in a losing streak.

OKC enters the game fresh off a victory on Sunday, even without Jalen Williams, who is sidelined with a right hip strain. Williams remains questionable for Wednesday’s matchup. Meanwhile, Utah is coming off a heartbreaking 123-119 overtime loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, marking their sixth loss in seven games.

The Jazz’s defensive struggles could play into the Thunder’s hands. Utah ranks 27th in the league in points allowed per game (118.2) and 29th in turnovers per game (16.3). “Regardless of Williams’ availability, OKC should be able to beat Utah,” said Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman. “The Thunder should feast off of those mistakes and earn a convincing home victory.”

Betting odds heavily favor the Thunder, with OKC listed as 16.5-point favorites and a moneyline of -2000. The over/under for the game is set at 230.5 points.

Injury updates further complicate the matchup. For the Thunder, Isaiah Joe (illness), Ousmane Dieng (left soleus strain), and Olivier Sarr (right iliac wing fracture) are out. Jalen Williams remains questionable. Utah will be without Jordan Clarkson (left plantar fasciitis), Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture), and Johnny Juzang (right hand fracture). Brice Sensabaugh (right ankle sprain) is questionable.

The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network at 7 p.m. Wednesday.