The OKC Thunder are having a dream run with 59 wins this season, sitting 1st in the West, and 9-1 wins in the last 10 appearances. But how did it come? There’s a lot of chatter about OKC being a one-man show. Yes, there’s no doubt Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been carrying them to some extent, and is the leading contender for the MVP this year. If he does lead the Thunder to their maiden championship ring, there’s no doubt about it. But then, is it possible for one guy to take the team past almost 60 wins in a season? No, and even he’d agree that he’d be nothing without the help of Chet Holmgren, especially since his return from injury.

But a lot of credit goes to HC Mark Daigneault, too, who has been running full steam ahead this season. His innovative and adaptable coaching philosophy has made sure all the men in the team are given a chance to shine, an opportunity that Chet’s taken in full stride. But will he be a part of Mark’s rotation tonight?

OKC Thunder injury report ahead of Kings clash

After playing the first 10 games this season, Chet’s luck brought him to an unwanted stop. A pelvic fracture. Means, he’d spend the next few months on the sidelines. Coach Mark made sure that his absence wasn’t felt much due to integrating others like Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams in the center and forward positions. But, with Chet back to the side, they are a different breed and have hit new levels since his return against the Raptors earlier in February, losing only 3 out of the 22 games since his return. But his fear is back.

It might not have seemed like it, but OKC has been riddled with injuries all year long. It’s unbelievable to consider how they’re arguably the bookies’ favorites to win it all despite. Chet has again missed the last game due to a left hip strain, and his progress has stagnated. Due to this, he’s questionable against the upcoming clash against the Kings. Holmgren aside, seems like the Thunder are lacking on the forwards for the game tonight.

Jalen Williams has been ridiculously good this season, with his box numbers achieving career-highs in all departments despite playing fewer games than the last two seasons. With averages of 21.3/5.5/5.3 while shooting 47.8%, he’d have been the ideal firepower to compensate for Chet’s possible absence. But he’s missed the last 6 games due to a hip injury, and ESPN states that he is questionable for the Kings clash due to the same reason as well.

Added to the list is, Ousmane Dieng. His calf injury has sidelined him for the last 4 games, and only given him a combined 11 minutes on the floor in the 4 games before that. He’s out for the Kings game too. And so is guard Alex Ducas, who’s out for a second consecutive game due to a right quadriceps strain.

OKC Thunder predicted lineup against Kings

The injury report might be a tad too hectic for any coach, but Daigneault has proven this season that he isn’t any other coach. This is his specialty. 2 star players questionable? Easy pickings for the young coach. That being said, this is their predicted lineup for the match against the Sacramento Kings:

The Thunder don’t really need to put Chet Holmgren in the 5. But he’ll need to be in full momentum come playoff season, especially since Oklahoma has already clinched the conference in March. Who do you think will win at the Golden 1 Center tonight?