OKC Thunder Dish Out Starting Lineup vs. Orlando Magic

The Thunder look to take care of business on the road against the Magic.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:37pm

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are on a 10-game road trip, facing off against several Eastern Conference opponents. Tonight, they take on the Orlando Magic, who have been surging since the All-Star break. The Thunder will be without All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams, but they are keeping second-year guard Ajay Mitchell in the starting lineup to provide more playmaking punch.

Why it matters

This game is part of a crucial road trip for the Thunder, who are looking to build momentum heading into a potential NBA Finals preview against the Celtics. The Magic have been one of the surprise teams in the East this season, so this will be a good test for the Thunder's defense.

The details

The Thunder are opting to keep Ajay Mitchell in the starting lineup, which should allow them to get off to a fast start offensively. The Magic will be missing key players like Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, and Anthony Black, putting pressure on Paolo Banchero to carry the load against the Thunder's stifling defense.

  • The game tips off tonight (March 17, 2026) in Orlando.
  • This is the first game of a back-to-back set for the Thunder, who will face the Nets tomorrow night.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's All-NBA point guard and leading scorer.

Lu Dort

The Thunder's defensive stopper on the wing.

Ajay Mitchell

The second-year guard who has earned a spot in the starting lineup with his playmaking ability.

Chet Holmgren

The Thunder's promising young big man who anchors their defense.

Isaiah Hartenstein

The veteran center who provides size and physicality in the paint for the Thunder.

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What’s next

After this game, the Thunder will head to Brooklyn to take on the Nets on Wednesday night.

The takeaway

The Thunder are looking to take care of business on the road against a surging Magic team, as they continue their crucial 10-game road trip leading up to a potential NBA Finals preview against the Celtics.