OKC punting Pistons national TV showdown on injury report

A stonemason Oklahoma City Thunder just cut short when faced with Detroit Pistons second night in a row. Coach Marc Daigneault praised the Thunder’s win on Tuesday. Without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City won its third straight game. However, if the defending champions want to make it four, they will have to do without Isaiah Hartenstein.

Thunder’s start center is off due to a lower leg injury. Hartenstein is one of three starters ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Pistons. Oklahoma City will face the Pistons, who have the second-best record in the NBA, without their top four scorers, including Mitchell, and their defender in Hartenstein.

Alex Caruso is listed as questionable with a sprained left ankle for Wednesday’s game.

Mark Daigneault praises the Thunder players’ composure

Thunder head Coach Mark Daigneault appreciates the Thunder’s unsung heroessuch as Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace, as the defending champions continued to win games against some of the NBA’s better teams without their top scorers. After an impressive win over the Cavs, Daigneault discussed the resilience of his team in the face of adversity and how that has been a constant theme throughout the season.

“You can’t control your circumstances. We always want to be completely healthy and have everything. But when you’re dealt, you have to play the best you can, and we’re trying to be optimistic,” Daigneault said. “And we try to be a team that uses circumstances to our advantage, and tries to take advantage of that in every situation, even if it’s a challenge to build some momentum. The guys did an amazing job.”

“They see things like this as a challenge. And that’s one of the special things about this group of guys. And they’ve done a great job since the break, sure, but even going into the break,” Daigneault concluded.

Wallace (27 points) and Joe combined for 49 points, including 10 of 16 from 3-point range, 10 assists and three steals. Two guards were cleared to start in place of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Thunder reserve Jaylin Williams will likely start for Isaiah Hartenstein alongside All-Star Chet Holmgren in Wednesday’s game against the Pistons.