Thunder Face Nets in Post-All-Star Clash Without Key Players

OKC looks to maintain West lead despite injuries to Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell, and Williams

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:48am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players' forms abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport.The Thunder's depth and resilience will be put to the test as they navigate the final stretch of the season without their star players.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder return from the NBA All-Star break as the Western Conference leaders, but they'll be without several key players as they take on the struggling Brooklyn Nets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, and Jalen Williams are all dealing with injuries and will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks, leaving the Thunder to rely on their bench depth to maintain their position atop the West.

Why it matters

The Thunder's depth and resilience will be tested as they try to hold onto their conference lead without their star players. This game against the Nets sets the tone for a tougher upcoming schedule, as OKC faces multiple Eastern Conference contenders in the weeks ahead.

The details

The Thunder dropped three of their last five games before the All-Star break, and their record since January 17 stands at a modest 7-7. Chet Holmgren, fresh off his first All-Star appearance, will need to play an even more pivotal role with the team missing key players. Head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the need for the team to keep improving, regardless of the circumstances, and believes the Thunder cannot afford to wait for everyone to be healthy.

  • Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell are expected to be reassessed in approximately one week.
  • Williams' re-evaluation is scheduled for around two weeks from now.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's star point guard, currently dealing with an abdominal strain.

Ajay Mitchell

The Thunder's starting shooting guard, also out with an abdominal strain.

Jalen Williams

The Thunder's promising young forward, nursing a right hamstring strain.

Chet Holmgren

The Thunder's rising star, fresh off his first NBA All-Star appearance.

Mark Daigneault

The Thunder's head coach, emphasizing the need for the team to keep improving despite the injuries.

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What they’re saying

“Being able to share this experience with my family, teammates, and friends made it all the more special.”

— Chet Holmgren

“We cannot afford to wait for everyone to be healthy and must continue to find ways to get better.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach

What’s next

The Thunder kick off the post-break schedule with a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, who are currently on a 12-game losing streak out of their last 15. This game sets the tone for a tougher run ahead, as the Thunder will face multiple Eastern Conference contenders.

The takeaway

The Thunder's depth and resilience will be put to the test as they try to maintain their position atop the Western Conference without their star players. The team's ability to adapt and find ways to win, even with key injuries, could be the difference-maker in the final stretch of the regular season.