Jan 19, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Latest Injury News Impacts Cavaliers Upcoming Matchup Against Thunder

Originally posted on Cleveland Cavaliers on SI
By Daniel Fisher | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 1:05 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers resumed their NBA activities on Thursday night with a win over the Brooklyn Nets. They will have one more stop against the Charlotte Hornets before facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

Oklahoma City recently secured the NBA championship and faced off against the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Jan. 19, winning 114-113. However, the Cavs didn’t have guard James Harden during that game. Cleveland traded for Harden at the beginning of February, and since then, the team has transformed significantly with him on the court, quickly becoming a much stronger contender.

The Thunder will be out a few stars

The Cavs probably wish to face the Thunder at full strength, but Oklahoma City is missing two of its top players for the game.

Oklahoma City announced on Thursday that star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be sidelined due to a strained abdomen. In contrast, star forward Jalen Williams will miss the game because of tightness in his right hamstring.

Thunder say Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain) will be both be re-evaluated in approximately one week.

Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 19, 2026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out as one of the NBA's top players, winning the MVP award last season. Meanwhile, Williams has emerged as a top 20 player over the past few seasons.

The Cavs likely wanted to see the Thunder at full strength on both sides, as many teams view the matchup against Oklahoma City as a benchmark to gauge their own performance. To be the champions, you have to beat the champions, and Cleveland could have gained a clearer understanding of its position following the Harden trade.

Even though Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams won’t be playing, the Thunder still have a loaded roster and a standout player in forward Chet Holmgren, whom the Cavs are going to have to keep an eye on.

Cleveland could face a tough loss without Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, which would be a significant setback. This might prompt the Cavs to question whether they can compete for the NBA Finals this season.

Cleveland will play the New York Knicks soon

Cavs fans have been eager to see Cleveland play at full strength, especially with Harden in the lineup against a top team in the NBA. They might get that chance again when the Cavs face off against the New York Knicks at home this Tuesday.

New York is similar to the Cavaliers, one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, and Cleveland may need to face the Knicks if it hopes to reach the NBA Finals this season.

The next four months could be life-changing for Cavs fans, and it could be quite a thrilling journey.