OKC Thunder Forced to Shuffle Starting Lineup vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Oklahoma City has opened the season with an 8-0 record, marking the best start in franchise history. Despite their unbeaten run, the Thunder have faced numerous injury challenges throughout the early stretch.
The team has yet to play a game with its complete roster. All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams has not made his season debut, while veteran forward Kenrich Williams and rookie guard Nikola Topic have also missed the first eight contests.
Injury Updates
On Wednesday, as Oklahoma City faced the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back, the absences grew. Rising star Chet Holmgren, defensive specialist Alex Caruso, and reigning All-Defensive guard Lu Dort were ruled out.
- Chet Holmgren – sidelined with a lower back strain.
- Alex Caruso – resting for the night, his fourth missed game this season.
- Lu Dort – out with a right upper trapezius strain after leaving the previous game against the L.A. Clippers early.
“Dort exited Tuesday’s win over the Clippers early after battling through a screen set by Ivica Zubac, resulting in his shoulder strain.”
Impact on Team Strategy
With three regular starters unavailable, head coach Mark Daigneault faces another lineup adjustment as his team looks to extend their undefeated streak against Portland.
Author Summary
The Thunder, undefeated but undermanned, face another lineup test versus Portland as injuries sideline key contributors and challenge team depth.