The Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the Miami Heat tonight at the Kaseya Center in Miami. It’s the second back-to-back game for OKC, after their hard-fought 105-99 win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was one of the standout players in that game, dropping 35 points and leading the Thunder to victory. Meanwhile, the Heat returned after a four-day break, looking to bounce back from their 125-124 overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons. The game tips off at 8:00 p.m. EST, with questions surrounding whether OKC’s star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will play tonight considering the demanding schedule.

Heading into tonight’s game, the Thunder are yet to release an updated injury report after last night’s game. However, based on previous reports, Adam Flagler (right fourth metacarpal fracture), Jaylin Williams (hamstring), and Alex Ducas (back) are listed as out. However, Shai is expected to lead the Thunder’s starting lineup.

Miami’s injury report lists Nikola Jovic, and Pelle Larsson out due to ankle injuries with Josh Richardson unavailable as well due to an injured heel. Despite these absences, Miami’s core remains intact, with Tyler Herro as running point, Duncan Robinson as shooting guard, and Jimmy Butler anchoring the small forward spot.

Where do the two teams stand?

This game offers plenty of intriguing storylines. The Thunder are sitting atop the Western Conference with a dominant 21-5 record, averaging 116.7 points and holding opponents to just 102.8 points. Much of their success has been fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-level numbers with 30.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game and Isaiah Hartenstein’s dominance with 12.3 rebounds per game. OKC has been an unstoppable force winning 9 out of the last 10 matches.

On the other side, the Heat enters with a 13-11 record and a five-game home winning streak. Jimmy Butler, averaging 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists this season, remains the heart and soul of the team. In his recent game against Detroit, Butler posted an impressive triple-double with 35 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. As a team, Miami averaged 114.2 points while limiting opponents to 108.4 points with their defense ranked as sixth highest.

Oklahoma City Thunder Depth Chart:

Miami Heat Depth Chart:

As the Thunder aim to extend their six-game winning streak and the Heat look to rebound from their recent loss, all eyes are on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Will the Thunder’s star guard take the floor tonight and lead OKC to another road victory, or will Miami’s home-court advantage and Jimmy Butler’s leadership prove too strong? Who will come out on top in this battle of East versus West? The answers will unfold tonight.