Thunder, Warriors Shorthanded Ahead of Matchup

Both teams dealing with multiple key injuries for Saturday's game

Mar. 7, 2026 at 10:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors will both be missing several key players when they face off on Saturday. The Thunder will be without six players, including Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, while the Warriors will be without Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, and others. Despite the injuries, the game is still expected to be highly anticipated, with the Thunder hosting the Denver Nuggets in a rematch between recent MVP award winners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic following the Warriors game.

Why it matters

Injuries can significantly impact the outcome of NBA games, especially when multiple starters and rotation players are sidelined. This matchup between two Western Conference contenders will provide an opportunity for younger and lesser-known players to step up and make an impact.

The details

The Thunder will be without Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell, and Branden Carlson, while the Warriors will be missing Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Will Richard, Seth Curry, and De'Anthony Melton. Jimmy Butler III has also been ruled out for the season for the Warriors. However, Gary Payton II has been listed as probable, and Kristaps Porzingis is questionable for the Warriors.

  • The Thunder and Warriors will face off on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
  • Following the game, the Thunder will host the Denver Nuggets in a rematch between recent MVP award winners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
  • The Warriors will travel to Utah to take on the Jazz after their game against the Thunder.

The players

Chet Holmgren

A young and promising player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has been ruled out due to injury.

Kristaps Porzingis

A key player for the Golden State Warriors who has been listed as questionable for the game due to injury.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder's star player and a recent MVP award winner who will be facing off against the Nuggets after the Warriors game.

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star player and a recent MVP award winner who will be facing off against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Injuries can really shake up a team's rotation and game plan, but it's an opportunity for other players to step up and make an impact.”

— Analyst

What’s next

The outcome of the Thunder vs. Warriors game and the subsequent Thunder vs. Nuggets matchup will be closely watched, as they could have implications for the Western Conference standings and playoff seeding.

The takeaway

Despite the numerous injuries, this matchup between the Thunder and Warriors, as well as the upcoming Thunder vs. Nuggets game, will provide a chance for lesser-known players to showcase their skills and potentially earn more playing time as their teams navigate the challenges of the NBA season.