Caruso joins Shay, Williams on injury report against Cavs
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon. And if an official injury report is anything to go by, the defending champions will enter this match significantly undermanned.
Alec Caruso brings together the cornerstone of the franchise Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forward Jalen Williamswith all three not expected to play, according to official injury report. Caruso is officially out with a sprained left ankle suffered during Oklahoma City’s 105-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
MVP candidate Gilgeus-Alexander is sidelined with an abdominal strain while Williams is out with a right hamstring strain. That’s not the end of the Thunder’s injury woes, however, as Ajay Mitchell and Thomas Sorber are also unavailable for this game.
The Thunder enter this game as clear favorites, with a record of 43-14. However, they face a team that most expect to emerge as a title contender, especially after the acquisition of James Harden, who has hit the ground running. That, along with the absences, means OKC could have a lot on their plate against the Cavs.
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Alec Caruso, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were injured against the Cavaliers
Alex Caruso left Oklahoma City’s 105-86 win over Brooklyn with an injury, and the Thunder will be wary of his importance. Caruso remains one of Oklahoma City’s most dangerous defenders and has the ability to be good in the postseason.
The injury becomes even more damaging given that Oklahoma City is already without its top two offensive creators. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams are a big part of their offensive threat, which puts more pressure on Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Report of lightning injury
out:
Alex Caruso: sprained left ankle
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Abdominal strain
Jalen Williams: right hamstring strain
Ajay Mitchell: Abdominal sprain / Sprained left ankle
Thomas Sorber: surgical recovery of right ACL
Cavaliers injury report
out:
Max Struss: Jones left foot fracture surgery
Riley Minix: The G League is a two-way street
Tristan Enaruna: G League two-way
2026-02-22 15:52:00
