OKC Thunder Opt for Double-Big Lineup Against Cavaliers
The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday afternoon, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This significant date in the NBA calendar is one of the three premier regular-season events, along with opening night and Christmas Day. The Thunder will play on all these dates during the 2025-26 season.
As they prepare for this matchup, the Thunder face notable challenges due to injuries. All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams will miss at least a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury, totaling 20 missed games this season. Starting center Isaiah Hartenstein is also sidelined with a right soleus strain, mirroring Williams’ absence.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers will be without their starting guard Darius Garland and key role players Max Strus and Sam Merrill. Both teams are currently engaged in tough competition, with the Thunder playing their fifth consecutive game against teams with winning records. During their last ten games, Oklahoma City has accumulated a 7-3 record, while Cleveland also boasts a 7-3 record, despite a disappointing overall start to the season at 24-19.
Matchup Overview: Thunder vs. Cavaliers
This meeting marks a significant point in the season for both teams, particularly for the Cavaliers as they look to solidify their playoff standing. Currently positioned as the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers aim for a crucial victory to enhance their home court advantage prospects.
Starting Lineups
As both teams adjust to their injuries, the starting lineups reflect strategic changes:
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G | Donovan Mitchell, G |
| Lu Dort, G | Jaylon Tyson, G |
| Aaron Wiggins, F | Dean Wade, F |
| Jaylin Williams, F | Evan Mobley, F |
| Chet Holmgren, C | Jarrett Allen, C |
The Thunder have made a strategic decision to start Jaylin Williams, a move aimed at countering the Cavaliers’ impressive frontcourt. This adjustment, while potentially weakening their bench depth, reflects Coach Mark Daigneault’s intent to enhance offensive capabilities by including Aaron Wiggins instead of opting for a more defensive player.
For the Cavaliers, Dean Wade will join the starting rotation to match up against Gilgeous-Alexander, providing added defensive strength. Keep an eye on Jaylon Tyson, a promising second-year guard, who can also contribute effectively on offense and defense.
With both teams undergoing significant lineup changes, fans can expect an exciting and competitive game as the Thunder and Cavaliers battle it out on this notable holiday.
