Key contributor Ajay Mitchell returns, bolstering the lineup for their crucial matchup against the Nuggets.
The Oklahoma City Thunder finally got some good injury news.
One time Sixth Man of the Year candidate Ajay Mitchell is no longer on the injury report. The sophomore breakout player has missed the last 20 straight games after sustaining an abdominal strain on January 21st against the Milwaukee Bucks. Mitchell sustained an ankle sprain while ramping up in his return to play, a setback that cost him a bit more time on the shelf.
After a season-long dread from Thunder fans when reading the latest injury news, the return of such an important piece of the OKC puzzle is a reason for celebration. The Oklahoma City offense has lacked another shot creator, ball handler and playmaker outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the absence of Mitchell and Jalen Williams. The combo guard's return should make things run much smoother on offense when the reigning MVP is on the bench.
The timing of Mitchell's return worked out well considering the upcoming schedule. As the San Antonio Spurs continue to nip at their Western Conference heels, the Thunder face a daunting trio of home games. Thunder heated rivals Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets come to town for a nationally televised game on Peacock. The Eastern Conference #2 seed Boston Celtics featuring Jayson Tatum in only his fourth game of the season will be The Paycom Center guests on Thursday for a nationally televised game on Prime Video. And Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves will make their first trip to OKC since the Western Conference Finals on Sunday for a nationally televised noon game on ABC.
Just a friendly reminder of what Mitchell has done on the court this season: 14.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals and only 1.6 turnovers in 26.3 minutes per game. The 23 year old is shooting 48.7% from the field, 35% from deep and 87% from the free throw line. OKC is 37-6 in games that he has played. That's a strong 86% win percentage when Mitchell suits up.
Outside of the Mitchell news, Oklahoma City fans received a mixed bag from the latest injury report. Chet Holmgren (flu) and Alex Caruso (left hip contusion) are both questionable for Thunder vs Nuggets Part III. Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain), Isaiah Hartenstein (left calf contusion) and Branden Carlson (lower back strain) remain out.
Hopefully the Thunder faithful (and the Peacock audience) get some more good news on Monday before tipoff regarding Holmgren and Caruso. OKC will need all the healthy, elite defenders they can get to slow down the potent Denver offense. Meanwhile, the Nuggets defense just took on a much tougher task.
Ajay Mitchell is back.