Injury-Riddled Thunder and Cavaliers Clash in Cleveland
The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Cleveland on January 19, 2026, holding the best record in the Western Conference at 35-8. Despite their strong position, the Thunder arrive short-handed. Several regular rotation players are unavailable, forcing adjustments to minutes and lineups on the road.
The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the game with a 24-19 record. They face their own injury challenges, missing key backcourt pieces and bench players. This situation places heavier workloads on their remaining starters. Player availability, rather than complex tactics, may determine how competitive this matchup becomes.
Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report
Oklahoma City will play without Jalen Williams. He suffered a right hamstring strain in the recent 122-120 loss to Miami. This setback follows his earlier absence of 19 games after wrist surgery.
Isaiah Hartenstein remains sidelined with a soleus strain in his calf. Rookie Nikola Topic is also out with a groin injury.
With these players unavailable, the Thunder rely even more heavily on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He leads the team with 27.5 points per game. Chet Holmgren continues to anchor the frontcourt, providing scoring, rebounding, and rim protection.
Ajay Mitchell's role has expanded significantly. The guard now averages 12.2 points per game and receives steady minutes in the rotation.
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
Cleveland will be without Darius Garland. He is sidelined with a right great toe sprain and is not expected back until at least January 28.
Sam Merrill is out with a hand injury until January 21. Chris Livingston is also sidelined with a knee issue on a similar timeline.
Dean Wade is listed as a game-time decision due to a knee problem. Max Strus remains out with a foot injury that could keep him sidelined into February.
With Garland unavailable, Donovan Mitchell handles most of the ball-handling duties. He is expected to lead the scoring and set the offensive tone. Evan Mobley continues to anchor the defense, protecting the rim while adding reliable interior scoring.
Key Player Statistical Comparison
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): 27.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.8 blocks, 1.5 three-pointers per game.
Jalen Williams (OUT - OKC): 17.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.2 blocks, 0.8 three-pointers per game.
Chet Holmgren (OKC): 15.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.4 blocks, 1.1 three-pointers per game.
Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 24.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.2 blocks, 3.4 three-pointers per game.
Darius Garland (OUT - CLE): 17.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.1 blocks, 2.2 three-pointers per game.
Evan Mobley (CLE): 12.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.7 blocks, 0.5 three-pointers per game.
Impact of Injuries on the Game
Without Williams and Hartenstein, Oklahoma City is expected to give more minutes to defenders like Cason Wallace. The offense will center around Gilgeous-Alexander.
Cleveland, missing Garland's ball-handling and Merrill's shooting, depends heavily on Mitchell to score. Mobley must control the paint effectively.
Wade's status could influence the game if he plays. Both teams enter the night relying on shortened rotations, making depth and stamina critical factors.
