The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder enter Saturday’s matchup with significant names on the injury report, a factor that could reshape rotations in a meeting between two Western Conference contenders. Oklahoma City leads the conference at 40-12, while Houston sits fourth at 31-19.
The Thunder will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is sidelined with an abdominal strain despite averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists this season. Jalen Williams also remains out with a right hamstring strain, removing a secondary playmaker who contributes 16.8 points per game.
Ajay Mitchell joins the absence list due to another abdominal strain, and long-term injuries to Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber continue to limit Oklahoma City’s depth.
Houston arrives with its own challenges, including the continued absence of Fred VanVleet following ACL repair surgery on his right knee. Steven Adams is also out after ankle surgery, and Jae’Sean Tate will miss the game because of a left wrist contusion. Two-way player Tristen Newton is listed as out.
Recent results highlight the stakes for both sides, as Houston enters on a two-game losing streak after defeats to Charlotte and Boston. The Thunder split their last two games, losing in San Antonio before a 128-92 win over Orlando.
Previous meetings this season have favored Oklahoma City, including a 125-124 win in October and a 111-91 victory in January.
