Thunder Rest 10 Players on Final Day of NBA Regular Season

OKC's decision to sit key starters contributes to over $2.5 billion in combined salaries for players resting on the last day.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstracted NBA basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into angular, colorful shapes against a fading background.The Thunder's decision to rest key players on the final day of the NBA regular season reflects the league's broader trend of load management as teams prepare for the playoffs.Denver Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder have decided to rest 10 players, including four of their five regular starters, for their final regular season game against the Phoenix Suns. This is part of a league-wide trend on the last day of the NBA regular season, with 17 of the 30 teams resting seven or more players. The combined salary of the players sitting out across the league totals over $2.5 billion.

Why it matters

The Thunder's decision to rest so many players, while controversial, is understandable given their injury-plagued season. They have been one of the league's best teams despite the injuries and are looking to enter the playoffs at full strength as they aim to defend their NBA championship.

The details

On the final day of the regular season, the Thunder will be sitting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Ajay Mitchell, among others. This comes after they also rested 10 players in their previous game against the Denver Nuggets. Across the league, 17 of the 30 teams have listed seven or more players as out for their final games.

  • The Thunder will rest 10 players for their final regular season game against the Phoenix Suns on April 13, 2026.
  • The Thunder previously rested 10 players for their game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's All-NBA forward who has been a key part of their success this season.

Jalen Williams

The Thunder's young star forward who has missed significant time due to injury this season.

Chet Holmgren

The Thunder's promising rookie center who has also dealt with injuries throughout the year.

Ajay Mitchell

A regular starter in the Thunder's rotation who will also be rested for the final game.

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What they’re saying

“Despite what one's stance is on the league's highly controversial load management discussion, if there were a team that deserves a pass when it comes to resting up their core group of players during Sunday's season finale, it's the Thunder.”

— Tim Reyonlds, Reporter, The Associated Press

What’s next

The Thunder will look to enter the playoffs healthy and ready to defend their NBA championship after resting key players for the final regular season game.

The takeaway

The Thunder's decision to rest so many players on the final day of the regular season, while controversial, is understandable given their injury-plagued season. Their goal is to enter the playoffs at full strength as they aim to repeat as NBA champions.