The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a significant day in the NBA calendar. This matchup is part of a larger celebration which includes key dates like the opening night and Christmas Day. For the 2025-26 season, the Thunder are featured in all three major NBA events.
Thunder’s Roster Challenges
The Thunder will enter this game without two crucial players. Jalen Williams, an All-NBA swingman, is sidelined for several weeks due to a right hamstring strain. This game will mark his 20th missed appearance this season, matching the absence of starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who is out with a right soleus strain.
On the opposing side, the Cavaliers will be without their starting guard Darius Garland. Additionally, rotational players Max Strus and Sam Merrill are also unavailable, further impacting their lineup for this contest.
Recent Performance and Importance of the Game
Oklahoma City is amidst a challenging stretch, playing their fifth consecutive game against a team with a winning record. Currently, they hold a 7-3 record over their last ten games. Cleveland mirrors this performance, also at 7-3, but their season so far has been less than expected, with a 24-19 record placing them as the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Starting Lineups
As game time approaches, both coaches have unveiled their starting lineups:
Oklahoma City Thunder Starting Lineup
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – G
- Lu Dort – G
- Aaron Wiggins – F
- Jaylin Williams – F
- Chet Holmgren – C
Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup
- Donovan Mitchell – G
- Jaylon Tyson – G
- Dean Wade – F
- Evan Mobley – F
- Jarrett Allen – C
Strategic Adjustments
To counter Cleveland’s robust frontcourt, the Thunder have opted to start Jaylin Williams, which may shuffle their rotation. Backup center Branden Carlson or Kenrich Williams may step up, depending on the game situation. Coach Mark Daigneault has chosen Aaron Wiggins for offensive support rather than defensive specialization, a notable adjustment from previous games.
For the Cavaliers, Dean Wade’s defensive capabilities make him a valuable asset against Gilgeous-Alexander. More interestingly, Jaylon Tyson is expected to play a pivotal role, contributing both defensively and offensively.
This matchup is crucial for both teams as they strive to solidify their standings in the league. The Thunder aim for a strong finish to their road trip, while the Cavaliers seek to reclaim their former dominance as a playoff contender.
