With the return of Ajay Mitchell, the Oklahoma City roster is beginning to come together again. At the same time, the Thunder announced via their injury report against the Nuggets on Monday that Jalen Williams would still be out dealing with that hamstring strain.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso remained out with a calf contusion and hip contusion against Denver as well.
The 2025-26 Oklahoma City Thunder have been ridiculed with injuries, and the lost minutes and time together continue to pile up. The Thunder’s continuity will be tested come playoff time.
Thunder Continuity Will Be Put to the Ultimate Test
Despite being an NBA-best 51-15, the Thunder have faced major adversity this season. Injuries have derailed what could have been a historical regular season. So much so that their assumed starting five — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (has missed 12 games), Lu Dort (has missed 11 games), Jalen Williams (has missed 39 games), Chet Holmgren (has missed 9 games), and Isaiah Hartenstein (has missed 29 games) — have only played 90 possessions together, total. Which is less than a game’s worth, together.
Now, add on key reserves — Ajay Mitchell (has missed 22 games), Alex Caruso (has missed 22 games), and Aaron Wiggins (has missed 15 games, missing significant time, as well as others such as Isaiah Joe (has missed 9 games), Jaylin Williams (has missed 15 games), and Kenrich Williams (has missed 21 games) being out for a decent stretch of games.
This has led the Thunder to be unable to find their collective rhythm or get accustomed to their individual roles. Ultimately, it becomes a what-if when it comes to not having their full rotation.
Compare last year’s Thunder team to this year’s. The projected starting group played 365 regular-season possessions together, then 409 more in the Thunder’s postseason title run.
The lack of games played has raised legitimate concerns about the Thunder’s ability to contend, questioning whether the lack of time together will be their Achilles heel. However, the main concern for the Thunder should be — their health.
As long as OKC are healthy come postseason time, they should be a favorite to win the 2025-26 NBA Championship. They are still, when healthy, one of the deepest and most talented teams in the NBA.
Their priority is getting healthy, and, secondly, looking like themselves — or as closely as possible — by the end of the regular season. A lack of chemistry or knowing how to play together will not be what holds OKC back.
Last year is the perfect example: despite not playing many possessions together, they not only learned to play together but also played at a championship level. Learning and meshing together on the fly, becoming the best versions of themselves later in the season.
This year, Jalen Williams has missed the most time, missing 39 games despite already understanding how to play in this system, play off his teammates, and fit into multiple lineups. Time is running out for him to regain his form and rhythm, especially with his importance as the No. 2 scoring option. Getting and staying healthy are the main priorities.
All in all, this roster understands how to play together and knows their identity on both ends of the floor. The main concern is getting this group fully healthy and making a run to repeat as NBA Champions.
Main Image: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
