Thunder seek rebound in Inglewood amid injury toll
Oklahoma City visits Los Angeles Friday after a 118-108 loss in Portland, while the Clippers manage their own roster of returning players.
By David Marshall ·
The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday in Inglewood, California, looking to stop a two-game losing streak. The contest serves as a reminder of the physical toll this season has taken on both squads. The Thunder entered the series following a 118-108 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, dropping their record to 5-4 since their last meeting with Los Angeles on Oct. 25.
That previous encounter ended with a 108-101 Thunder win, but the outcome was overshadowed by multiple player departures. Jalen Williams suffered a dislocated left ankle and a fractured fibula while driving to the basket. Cason Wallace left early with left shoulder soreness, and Jaylin Williams exited with wrist issues. Chet Holmgren stayed in that game but has not played since due to a patellar tendon tear, which is expected to sideline him until January.
The Thunder continue to manage their roster with limited options. Wallace is out with a torn labrum, and Jaylin Williams has missed the last five games with back spasms. Ajay Mitchell is questionable for Friday after spraining his left ankle. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points in the recent loss, while Isaiah Hartenstein recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
To address the depth issues, the Thunder reacquired Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings on Sunday in exchange for two second-round draft picks. Clifford, a first-round pick for Oklahoma City in 2025, has averaged 4.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 18 minutes in two games with his new team. Gilgeous-Alexander noted that Clifford possesses physical gifts and NBA tools that will be on full display.
The Clippers are also dealing with health concerns. Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser are all working toward their season debuts with knee, heel, and foot injuries respectively. Max Strus played his first game last week. Head coach Tyronn Lue stated that Ingram is close to returning but will not play against the Thunder. Los Angeles is 2-8 on the season after a 133-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
Lue criticized his team's defensive effort after the Suns shot 51.2 percent from three-point range. The Clippers committed 13 turnovers in that game, dropping their average below 20 per game, though their 18.5 average still ranks near the bottom of the league. Friday's matchup marks the second NBA Cup game for both teams, with the Thunder holding a 1-0 record in West Group B and the Clippers at 0-1.
The Thunder are 3-0 on the season, a record that stands despite the recent slide. The Clippers have seven players who scored in double figures in their last outing, but none had more than 13 points. The game will be played at Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
