Two teams with title aspirations are set to clash as the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Boston Celtics. Both teams are coming off successive wins with 3 for Boston and a whopping 14 for the Thunder. Although, Thunder fans, despite their team’s stellar form, remain concerned. Why you ask? Well, they’re left wondering whether their star shooting guard, Alex Caruso, will be available for the game against Boston.

Sadly, it seems the fears of Thunder fans were warranted. The Thunder’s latest injury report confirms that shooting guard Alex Caruso is OUT for the game against the Celtics. The reason cited for his absence is a strained left hip. As an Oklahoma fan, you will remember how this is the same injury that has been nagging Caruso for the past month and some change. This is indeed a tremendous blow for the Thunder ahead of the upcoming fixture.

Alex Caruso was recruited over the summer in a trade deal with the Chicago Bulls, with Josh Giddey departing the Thunder. He was tasked with bolstering Oklahoma defensively and in this, Caruso delivered in droves. Ranking 6th in the league for steals made per game, his addition to the team is a big factor behind Oklahoma’s 29-5 record this season.

Recognizing his importance, the Thunder signed a 4-year, $81 million with Alex. However, despite securing his services for the future, it seems that Thunder can’t deploy Caruso in the interim. But what else did the injury report reveal? Let’s find out.

Boston Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder – Injury Report

Adding to the woes of Oklahoma fans, the injury report revealed that another important player for the Thunder would be OUT for the game against the Celtics. Belgian point guard, Ajay Mitchell, has been listed as OUT because of a right great toe sprain. Furthermore, Serbian rookie, Nikola Topic, remains OUT as he recovers from the ACL injuries he sustained a while back.

The aforementioned couple of injuries will really hurt the Thunder’s squad depth, especially at point guard. Chet Holmgren also remains OUT for the game against the Celtics owing to a right iliac wing fracture. Additionally, the duo of Adam Flagler and Alex Ducas are also OUT as they have G League duties to fulfill. Here’s how they might line up against the Celtics without the likes of Alex Caruso and Co. –

The Boston Celtics fanbase, though will be similarly concerned with the injury report turned in by their team. Absentees like JD Davidson, Drew Peterson, Baylor Scheierman, and Anton Watson were expected given their two-way contracts. However, one name in the injury report will cause a lot of wide eyes among Celtics fans. Boston star Jaylen Brown is listed as QUESTIONABLE ahead of the game against Oklahoma. The reason cited is the same shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined for the past two games.

Despite key players missing on both sides, the edge, when it comes to injuries, lies with Boston. However, given the Thunder’s stellar form this NBA season, they may end up pulling off this one, even without Alex Caruso or Ajay Mitchell. But tell us, who do you think wins this clash of titans?