The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently under investigation by the NBA due to the high number of player absences during a recent nationally televised game against the San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder faced significant challenges last season as they dealt with a series of injuries that sidelined key players such as Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Jaylin Williams. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, the team finds itself in a similar situation, struggling with injury issues that have affected their roster depth.
In the February 4 matchup against the Spurs, the Thunder were left with only eight healthy players, three of whom were on two-way contracts. Key absences included star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain), Jalen Williams (hamstring strain), and Chet Holmgren (back spasms), among others. The injuries have been persistent, with Oklahoma City registering the second-most games lost to injury this season.
This ongoing issue began early in the campaign when Jalen Williams missed the first five weeks recovering from wrist surgery, and Isaiah Joe was sidelined for the first five games due to a knee contusion. Caruso and Dort have consistently struggled with various ailments, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent abdominal injury is expected to keep him on the sidelines through the All-Star break.
While the league investigates the circumstances surrounding the team’s player absences, it is important to consider the context of their situation. The Thunder faced the unique challenge of playing their third game in four nights across three different cities, which likely contributed to their limited roster.
In a positive turn of events, the report coincides with Jalen Williams’ anticipated return to the lineup for a crucial game against the Lakers, bringing hope that the Thunder can overcome their injury woes and reestablish some stability in their campaign. The team and its fans will be eager to see how these developments unfold as the season progresses.