Unlocking potent lineups, the Thunder anticipate a fearsome return as key players heal. Discover innovative pairings designed to dominate opposing defenses.
Oklahoma City entered the All-Star break with the second-best record in the NBA despite consistently facing lengthy injury reports. For example, its starting five has only logged 41 minutes together this season, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have shared the court for a mere 14.5% of the Thunder’s total minutes.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Jalen Williams stated in a post-game interview on Feb. 9 that his wrist “feels great”. Nikola Topić made his NBA debut on Feb. 12 after recovering from a torn ACL and testicular cancer. Isaiah Hartenstein’s calf injuries are also hopefully behind him at this point.
The Thunder’s first game after the break will be educational in terms of the severity of its current injuries. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Feb.4 that Gilgeous-Alexander “sustained an abdominal strain and will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break”, while the Thunder broke the news that Jalen Williams suffered another hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. Additionally, Ajay Mitchell is nursing an abdominal strain and ankle sprain. He has missed the Thunder’s past 11 games, and there is no official statement regarding his timeline.
Let’s assume that Oklahoma City gets to full strength at some point over the next few weeks outside of rookie Thomas Sorber (who suffered a season-ending torn ACL). Which potential lineup combinations are highly intriguing and worth exploring?
Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain and Hartenstein sharing the court is a must. Joe and McCain are two of the best movement shooters in the NBA and possess quick releases on their jumpers. They have played 39 minutes together since Oklahoma City acquired McCain at the trade deadline, and the Thunder’s offense has scored 129.9 points per 100 possessions during these minutes. Adding Hartenstein to the mix will enhance them because his screens can create ample space for a three-point attempt. Hartenstein’s passing out of dribble handoffs also means Joe and McCain can burn overaggressive defenders via cuts for layups.
Topić, Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren is another tantalizing trio. Spacing would be a roadblock, but Topić playmaking and ability to throw beautiful lobs may unlock Hartenstein and Holmgren’s scoring around the basket. It’s an area that remains relatively untapped because Oklahoma City has not had a truly great passer since Josh Giddey’s departure (Gilgeous-Alexander is building a strong case).
Finally, Oklahoma City absolutely needs to see how Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell and Jalen Williams mesh together. They have only played 51 minutes together this season, which has resulted in the Thunder’s offense scoring 123.5 points per 100 possessions. Units with this trio would ooze self-created scoring and rim pressure. Good luck to defenses trying to stop them from generating a great shot. Look for these three to share the court with Holmgren and one of Hartenstein or Alex Caruso when Oklahoma City must throw its best punch in clutch time.