It’s OKC’s world—and we’re just living in it. The Thunder enter Game 2 with intense excitement following their record-breaking 68-win season. But also along with their crushing Game 1 victory, which created a wild fan reaction. All eyes are on Shai and Chet: will they carry OKC’s playoff momentum? And hey, who can blame them? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed the final three games with a lower‑leg injury but returned fully in Game 1, logging 15 points despite OKC’s depth show.

The last two games found Holmgren sidelined due to back soreness. Despite the historic 51‑point blowout—the fifth‑largest playoff margin ever—OKC knows a single injury update can upend momentum, especially when their MVP candidate and 7-foot unicorn bear the bulk of responsibility. The fear? One unexpected update holds the power to transform every aspect. You guessed it right. The injury report!

Thunder vs Grizzlies Game 2 Injury Report

Good news: both SGA and Holmgren are listed as available on the official report—Ousmane Dieng and Nikola Topic remain as the two Thunder scratches. OKC dodged a nightmare: both stars are active, so their core remains intact. With no further scratches, OKC’s roster is intact and primed for another onslaught. And for a team that went 68-14 with one of the most dominant starting lineups in the league, this confirmation isn’t just a sigh of relief. It’s a green light to keep rolling at full speed. Memphis got humbled in Game 1, and with OKC locked and loaded again, it might only get uglier from here.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just

available, he’s the guy everyone’s watching. The dude averaged 32.7 points per game this season, led the league in scoring, and had MVP chants echoing in every arena he walked into. He’s the engine. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren, OKC’s unicorn, brings his own magic. At 15 points, 8 boards, and 2 assists per game on nearly 49% shooting, he’s more than just a rim protector. The team utilizes him to anchor their defense while he extends play from the floor and can ignite their offense when needed. Their partnership transformed OKC’s perfect starting lineup into a threatening challenge for opposing teams. Opponents endure a staggering 30-point per‑100‑possession swing when OKC’s starting five plays together. That’s not basketball, it’s athletic warfare.

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren ready for Game 2, the Thunder are set to keep things rolling. With SGA’s scoring punch and Holmgren’s two‑way versatility reinstated, OKC’s blueprint for Game 2 revolves around exploiting mismatches in the paint while maintaining high‑octane transition offense. Keep an eye on Memphis’ adjustments to slow the Thunder’s fast break—that chess match will decide this series.

While OKC focuses on its next win, Shaquille O’Neal has been making some waves of his own. His recent comments about the new generation of big men, including Holmgren, have gotten everyone talking. So, what’s Shaq’s take on these young stars? Let’s take a look at what he said about Wembanyama and Holmgren, and why it’s turning heads.

Shaq vs The next gen

Back in September, Shaquille O’Neal made a bold statement about the future of big men, singling out Victor Wembanyama. But this time, it’s Chet Holmgren who’s getting some attention. While Shaq praised Wembanyama’s skill, he made it clear that he doesn’t think a player who relies on jump shots can truly dominate in the paint. With Holmgren, though, it’s a different story. The 7-foot rookie brings a unique skill set that could challenge even Shaq’s dominance in the paint.

Danny Green, a three-time NBA champion, recently pointed out on the Run it Back podcast that Holmgren’s versatility could give Shaq trouble. While Shaq dominated with brute force in his prime, Green believes Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor and defend could force even the Diesel to adjust his game. Shaq fired back with his usual confidence, joking, “But how they gonna guard me? I’m not known for defense.” Last year, when a podcaster dubbed Holmgren “phenomenal,” Shaq cautioned against lofty labels for players without consistent multi‑year dominance.

Even Pat Beverly had Sha’s back. He claimed Green was “on that Devil lettuce” and reaffirmed that Shaq would “destroy both of them,” underscoring the game’s vibrant online debate. Wembanyama and Holmgren epitomize the modern “unicorn” big-stretch-five rim protectors whose skill sets transcend traditional roles. Whether Shaq’s dominance would carry over unchanged, this clash spotlights how the NBA’s “big‑man alliance” must evolve—or be outpaced by fresh prototypes

It looks like Shaq’s trying to remind everyone why he’s still the most dominant center to ever play. But is it that the players need to prove themselves? Or is it Shaq who needs to get with the times?