The Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers face Monday’s matchup at Crypto.com Arena with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
The Thunder will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain), Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgery), and Nikola Topic (surgical recovery).
Oklahoma City’s top scorer, Gilgeous-Alexander, is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. His absence leaves Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to carry the offensive load. Williams contributes 16.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, while Holmgren adds 17.7 points and 8.7 rebounds.
The Lakers will likely play without Luka Doncic, who is out with a left hamstring strain. Adou Thiero is also sidelined with a right MCL sprain, while Deandre Ayton is listed as probable with right knee soreness. Doncic leads Los Angeles with 32.8 points, 8.6 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, making his absence significant.
Ayton’s probable status could influence the Lakers’ frontcourt rotations. Austin Reaves and LeBron James are expected to handle much of the scoring responsibility, averaging 26.1 and 21.8 points per game, respectively. Rui Hachimura contributes 12.1 points per game and could see increased minutes if Ayton is limited.
Both teams have recent momentum entering the game. The Thunder lost 112-106 to the Houston Rockets on February 7 but had previously routed the Orlando Magic 128-92.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have won consecutive games, including a 105-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors and a 119-115 win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Thunder defeated Los Angeles 121-92 in their earlier season meeting on November 12, but injuries significantly alter the matchup dynamics this time. Oklahoma City ranks first in the Western Conference with a 40-13 record, while the Lakers sit fifth at 32-19.
Monday’s game, scheduled for 10:00 PM ET, will test both teams’ depth.
