Absence of Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe Severely Limits OKC Versus Denver

With Monday night's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City relinquished its top positioning in the West – dropping two spots and now having to face the No. 2 Nuggets at home without two vital players, and possibly more than that.

Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe both left Monday's game due to injury, as Joe struggled with a bruised sternum and Williams with a banged up right ankle.

Both players are expected to return Feb. 2 where the Thunder will take on the Charlotte Hornets at home. 

In addition to their absence, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (illness), Chet Holmgren (left ankle sprain) and Lu Dort (left ankle soreness) are all listed as game-time decisions on Wednesday morning.

This puts Oklahoma City in a tough position – as being bested by a divisional rival in a stacked top-four in the Western Conference could continue to send the Thunder down the line, but rushing three banged up starters back onto the floor could come back to bite them down the line.

It's been one of the roughest months in the league for Oklahoma City in January – going 10-6 during this stretch and competing on the road 11 times paired with a number of back-to-backs.

Now, it seems the Thunder are gassed out, as even one of the youngest teams in the league can't dodge the injury bug – though they've been fortunately healthy for the entire season, with a couple absences here and there. 

And even barring Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Dort, Williams' and Joe's unavailability will undoubtedly make it an immense challenge versus the reigning NBA Champions. 

Losing your second option, along with your top 3-point shooter and floor-spacer, will not bode well against the second team in the West, and certainly not if Nikola Jokic is active – who is also a game-time decision with lower back pain. 

In any case, this game is pivotal for the Western Conference standings as the All-Star break remains right around the corner, and Oklahoma City is dealing with limited manpower.