Thunder's Ajay Mitchell Cleared to Return Against Nuggets

Oklahoma City guard Ajay Mitchell set to make his comeback after missing time with injuries.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has been cleared to return and will play in Monday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Mitchell had been sidelined since January with a strained abdominal and a sprained left ankle. His return comes as the Thunder prepare for a highly-anticipated rematch against the Nuggets, who they faced in last year's Western Conference semifinals.

Why it matters

Mitchell's return is a significant boost for the Thunder as they look to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff race. The guard has emerged as one of the team's most reliable players this season, and his presence will be crucial as they take on the defending champion Nuggets.

The details

Mitchell, who has been out since January, will rejoin a Thunder backcourt that has added Jared McCain in his absence. The team will also be monitoring the status of All-Star Chet Holmgren, who is listed as questionable after missing the last game due to illness. The Thunder and Nuggets faced off last week in an overtime thriller, with the Thunder coming out on top 127-121. That game featured a flagrant-2 foul by Thunder guard Lu Dort on Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, which led to Dort's ejection.

  • Mitchell has been out since January with a strained abdominal and a sprained left ankle.
  • The Thunder and Nuggets will face off on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Ajay Mitchell

A guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has emerged as one of the team's most reliable players this season.

Chet Holmgren

An All-Star forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is listed as questionable for Monday's game due to illness.

Lu Dort

A guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who committed a flagrant-2 foul on Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the teams' previous matchup.

Nikola Jokic

An All-Star center for the Denver Nuggets who was the target of Lu Dort's flagrant-2 foul in the teams' previous matchup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was a physical game throughout the whole game. Obviously, that was unnecessary contact that I shouldn't have done. I got the worst of it by getting thrown out the game. But yeah, it was a high-level game. I'm a competitor, so I compete.”

— Lu Dort, Thunder Guard (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Mitchell's return is a significant boost for the Thunder as they look to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff race. His presence will be crucial as the team takes on the defending champion Nuggets in a highly-anticipated rematch.