The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t just loaded with talent—they also play a smart, disciplined style of basketball. Averaging only 11.6 turnovers per game, they lead not just the Western Conference but the entire NBA in ball security. Their ability to value possessions sets them apart, proving they’re more than just flashy—they’re efficient and effective. And now they’ll face the team, which is almost at the bottom of the barrel in turnovers.

Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors are aiming for their fifth straight home win when they take on OKC this Thursday. Recent success includes convincing home victories over the Indiana Pacers, with the Raptors cruising to a 130-119 win on November 18 and a 122-111 victory on Tuesday.

Alex Caruso’s name missing from the injury report means he’s likely back in the Thunder’s lineup. After joining OKC in a major offseason move, he’s still struggling to find his footing. The defensive dynamo is averaging just 5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, with nearly 2 steals per game. Alex Caruso’s shooting numbers have been rough—only 35.6% from the floor, a smidgen above 20% from beyond the arc, and 71.4% at the free-throw line.

However, the Thunder won’t make things easy for them. After taking down the Utah Jazz 133-106 on Tuesday, Oklahoma City is rolling, having won five of their last six games. Their defense has been a nightmare for opponents, forcing Utah into 29 turnovers, which led to 45 points. The Raptors will have to stay tight with the ball if they want to keep this streak alive.

Let us take a look at both teams’ injury reports and depth charts before the matchup.

Can the Raptors win with Alex Caruso back?

Gradey Dick is still questionable for the Raptors as he works his way back from a calf injury. He took part in pre-game activities on Tuesday but was ultimately ruled out for the Raptors’ win over the Pacers. While he’s not quite there yet, Gradey is expected to be ready for action either on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder or by Saturday at the latest.

As for rookie Jamison Battle, he’s been sent on a G League assignment with the Raptors 905 and is also unavailable. Meanwhile, Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Immanuel Quickley are all still sidelined with no clear timeline for their returns. More on them, later.

Brown, who had knee surgery in the offseason, was hoping to come back last week, but he’s still ramping up. The Raptors have assured fans there have been no setbacks, and he continues to make progress.

Olynyk, unfortunately, has yet to see any action this season because of back spasms. He has been spotted shooting around at practice, but he’s not yet cleared to play. Quickley, dealing with a UCL sprain, likely needs a few more weeks before he’s back on the court. He’s still unable to use his left hand. Lastly, DJ Carton and Ulrich Chomche remain on G League assignments with the Raptors 905.

Will the OKC Thunder keep up their impressive play?

Jaylin Williams (hamstring) won’t be playing on Thursday against Toronto, as he’s still out with no sign of returning yet. He’s been sidelined all season and hasn’t started any activity at practice. Luckily, his re-evaluation date is almost here, so a return could be close.

Alex Ducas, meanwhile, is dealing with an injury from late November in the G League. There’s no word on when he’ll be back, either with the Thunder or the Blue, his G League squad.

Ousmane Dieng is also out after suffering a small fracture in his right ring finger during a G League game on November 22. The hoopster is expected to be re-evaluated in the next 3-to-4 weeks.

As for Chet Holmgren, he’s dealing with a right iliac hip fracture from early November against the Warriors, and it’s looking like his season could be in jeopardy… “a return to play protocol will be provided in 8-to-10 weeks,” Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Finally, Nikola Topic is recovering from successful left ACL surgery back in July, so he’s out for the entire 2024-25 season.

The Raptors have been on a roll lately, winning 3 of their past 4 games, but let’s be real: OKC Thunder is still the superior team here. The biggest factor? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With him on the court, they have the clear star, and he could make all the difference.