OKC Thunder Forced to Shuffle Starting Lineup vs. Portland Trail Blazers

OKC Thunder Adjust Starting Lineup vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to their best start in franchise history with an 8-0 record. Despite this strong run, the team has faced significant challenges with injuries and absences.

So far, the Thunder have not played a game with their full lineup intact. Key players have missed time, including All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams, who has yet to debut this season. Veteran big man Kenrich Williams and rookie guard Nikola Topic have also been unavailable for the first eight games.

Injury Updates for Portland Game

On Wednesday, the Thunder faced the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back without several important contributors. Rising star big man Chet Holmgren, defensive specialist Alex Caruso, and reigning All-Defensive guard Lu Dort were all sidelined.

"Caruso is only out tonight due to rest while Holmgren is tabbed with a lower back strain and Dort is listed as a right upper trap strain after leaving Tuesday's game early due to a shoulder injury suffered from fighting through a screen set by Ivica Zubac."

These setbacks removed three key starters from Mark Daigneault's team roster for the Portland match.

Impact on the Team

The Thunder's depth is being tested as they continue their unbeaten start, relying on other players to fill the gaps left by these injuries.

Author’s Summary

The Thunder’s historic unbeaten run faces a tough test as injuries sideline three core starters, forcing lineup adjustments against Portland.

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Sports Illustrated Sports Illustrated — 2025-11-06

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