Stiles Points: How the OKC Thunder Can Steal Some Rest For Key Players

The Oklahoma City Thunder were hobbled against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday as Jalen Williams (Ankle) and Isaiah Joe (Sternum) were ruled out. During his pregame media availability, Thunder bench boss Mark Daigneault gave an update to their timeline: 

"I would be surprised if [Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe] played in the next couple of games," Daigneault said, with the obvious caveat that it would depend on how their respective injuries progress. 

This is not the worst thing in the world for the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite missing two top contributors. 

In the month of January, the OKC Thunder played a jaw-dropping 17 games, going 11-6, with 11 of the 17 games being played on the road. A stretch that featured an alarming five back-to-backs, and wrapped up with a six-game nine-night tour. 

There is clearly fatigue setting in, and while the Thunder have enjoyed unique injury luck, things still are not all sunshine and rainbows physically as the team tries to recuperate from that grueling month. 

As the Thunder begin their February slate on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets, Williams (Ankle) and Isaiah Joe (Sternum) have already been ruled out. 

If Oklahoma City holds these key rotational pieces out for their next three games, they will only miss out on games against the 10-36 Hornets, 17-30 Raptors, and 24-25 Jazz. 

The benefit of this move would be to "steal rest" for Williams and Joe. In that case, they would get 11 days off before the Thunder's next game. Then, would be three days away from the eight-day NBA All-Star Break.

While January was a taxing month, February offers some opportunities to settle the score if the Thunder want to play this cat-and-mouse game. With the obvious disclaimer that these are still injuries, we do not know when either player will be physically able to play. 

Stiles Points: 

• The Oklahoma City Thunder will only have one All-Star representative as Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams missed out on being tabbed as reserves Thursday.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has partnered with Canada Goose as a Global Brand Ambassador for the clothing brand, he announced via Instagram. Gilgeous-Alexander endorsing clothes? Seems like the best man for the job. 
• Shams Charania reported on the Kenny Beecham Podcast that the OKC Thunder could be looking for a veteran big man on the trade market. While the Thunder want to ride it out with this young team, improving in the margins would be a good thing for Oklahoma City next Thursday.
• With Mark Williams out tomorrow, Mark Daigneault could go back to Cason Wallace as the spot starter in place of Jalen Williams instead of inserting Kenrich Williams into the first five for his size as the Thunder did on Wednesday. Keep an eye on Aaron Wiggins as well, who started the second half against Denver and turned in an 11-3 record in the starting lineup a season ago. 
• Kenrich Williams will get his college jersey retired by TCU on Saturday, Feb. 3, as his Horn Frogs take on the Texas Longhorns. This marks Williams' second jersey retirement this season, as earlier in the 2023-24 campaign, Waco University High School lifted his jersey to the rafters. 
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was nominated for Western Conference Player of the Month, but Devin Booker brought home the honor for January. 
• Chet Holmgren was nominated for Western Conference Rookie of the Month, but Victor Wembanyama ultimately won the award after Holmgren brought home the first two honors. 
• Mark Daigneault was nominated for Western Conference Coach of the Month, and Ty Lue was given the accolade. 

Song of the Day: Band on the Run by Paul McCartney, Wings