The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Minnesota Timberwolves for a New Year’s Eve showdown at the Paycom Center. While the world gears up for celebrations, the two teams will engage in a high-stakes battle. They look to test the waters, considering both teams aspire to make huge waves in the Western Conference.

Furthermore, Oklahoma City enters this game with an 11-game winning streak and boasts the best record in the West at 26-5. However, their impressive form has not come without roadblocks along the way as the Thunder have struggled with injuries. As they enter this highly anticipated matchup, one question remains in everyone’s minds: Are OKC at their best? Yes, even after the stunning winning streak.

Well, let’s start with veteran shooting guard, Alex Caruso, who sustained a hip strain and is set to miss his fourth straight game due to the same. So far this season, Caruso has averaged 5.5 points and 2.5 assists and has been a dependable team member. His absence will be a blow to how the Thunder play as he looks to get back before their next game against the Clippers.

Additionally, Oklahoma City has several more players on their injury report. However, it’s not all bad for the Thunder faithful as they have the likes of Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein fit and available for the Wolves Clash. Let’s take a look at their injury report to get all the further updates.

Apart from Alex Caruso OKC, Thunder will remain without the likes of Chet Holmgren and Alex Ducas. On the other hand, Holmgren continues to recover after suffering from a right iliac hip fracture and will return to the court in 8-to-10 weeks. Ducas has been ruled out for tonight’s game because of a back injury.

Other names on the list include Adam Flagler, who has been diagnosed with a right fourth metacarpal fracture, which will be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks. Lastly, guard Nikola Topic remains sidelined after he underwent a successful left ACL procedure and is set to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

Who replaces Alex Caruso: Explore Oklahoma City Thunder Depth Chart

Here’s how Mark Daigneault’s men could line up given their injury woes to face off against Anthony Edwards and the Wolves.

Ultimately, Oklahoma City enters this game as a clear favorite given their impressive record. However, it will certainly not be a walk in the park for the hosts, as Minnesota is also a serious team and has several weapons in its arsenal. Additionally, the Wolves are also on a three-game winning streak, making this an even more compelling New Year’s Eve heavyweight clash.