Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks: preview and player stats (Jan 18, 2027)

Injury/Illness - Right Knee/ Injury Recovery (2026-11-15, OKC@SAC). Prior reporting (2026-10-31): Holmgren underwent a biological treatment Friday to address a small patellar tendon tear and will miss at least 8-10 weeks, Nick Crain of Slam reports. This is another massive blow to an Oklahoma City squad that's already set to be without Jalen Williams (leg) and Cason Wallace (shoulder) for most, if not all, of the season. With Holmgren sidelined, Kenrich Williams, Jaylin Williams and Aday Mara are all candidates to see increased playing time. Two-way player Brooks Barnhizer could also see more minutes.

Injury/Illness - Left Ankle Sprain (2026-11-15, OKC@SAC). Prior reporting (2026-11-15): Mitchell (ankle) is questionable to suit up for Sunday's game against the Kings. Mitchell has missed OKC's previous two contests due to a sprained left ankle, and he's now in jeopardy of sitting out a third straight. If Mitchell remains sidelined, Jared McCain will continue to start for the 8-5 Thunder.

Injury/Illness - Left Ankle Surgery (2026-11-15, OKC@SAC). Prior reporting (2026-10-28): Williams (leg) underwent successful surgery Wednesday to "address a fractured left fibula and reconstruction of ankle ligaments following a fracture and dislocation." He will be re-evaluated before the end of the regular season, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports. Williams suffered the injury during Sunday's meeting with the Clippers and was taken off the court on a stretcher. It's unknown when the 25-year-old will be cleared to return, though the Thunder will presumably be overly cautious moving forward. Williams, who signed a five-year extension in July of 2025, has had a productive career, averaging 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals over 30.9 minutes per contest. However, after playing at least 69 regular-season games in his first three years in the league, he has appeared in just 36 in the last two seasons combined. With the Thunder having one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, the team may look for more minutes from Jared McCain, Jaylin Williams, and Kenrich Williams for the remainder of the 2026-27 campaign.

Injury/Illness - Left Shoulder Surgery (2026-11-15, OKC@SAC). Prior reporting (2026-10-31): Wallace underwent surgery Friday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will be re-evaluated before the end of the regular season, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports. Wallace is expected to miss most, if not all, of the season. However, there's still a chance he will return late in the campaign after sustaining the shoulder injury in Sunday's win over the Clippers. With Jalen Williams (leg) also set to be re-evaluated before the end of the regular season, Alex Caruso (ankle) should see significant playing time once cleared to return. In the meantime, Jared McCain, Bennett Stirtz and Josh Dix are expected to see increased burn.

Injury/Illness - Low Back Spasms (2026-11-15, OKC@SAC). Prior reporting (2026-11-15): Williams (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Kings. Williams will miss a sixth straight contest due to lower-back spasms and is still without a timetable to return. Isaiah Hartenstein, Kenrich Williams and rookie Aday Mara will continue holding down the frontcourt for as long as Williams is sidelined.

Injury/Illness - Right Knee Surgery (2026-11-15, OKC@SAC). Prior reporting (2026-11-13): Sorber (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Clippers. Sorber is still recovering from knee surgery and remains without a timetable to return. He can be considered week-to-week until the Thunder offer an update on his status.

Lively (foot) is listed as out for Thursday's game in Minnesota. Lively is still working his way back from foot surgery. He's reportedly trending favorably, though he should continue to be classified as week-to-week, at least until the team provides an update. While Lively remains on the shelf, Daniel Gafford is expected to stay in the starting lineup, with Morez Johnson (shin), Santi Aldama and Moussa Cisse all in line to spend time at the five when needed.

Gafford (face) won't return to Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports. Gafford took a shot by Thomas Bryant and exited the game after making two free throws earlier, but the center won't return. This means Morez Johnson and Santi Aldama should see more time in the frontcourt. Gafford ends the contest with 10 points (4-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds and an assist across 17 minutes. His next chance to play will come Sunday against the Celtics on the second leg of a back-to-back set.

Christie (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Cleveland. Christie was doubtful to play due to a left ankle sprain, and he will indeed be forced to sit out his second contest of the 2026-27 campaign. Expect Naji Marshall and Zaccharie Risacher to see a boost in minutes.

De Larrea (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game at Minnesota. De Larrea hasn't played since Oct. 26 due to a right knee sprain, but he's expected to be re-evaluated soon. Still, he can be considered week-to-week until Dallas provides an update on his progress.

Biberovic (heel) is out for Thursday's game against Minnesota. Biberovic remains plagued by right heel bursitis. The rookie forward carries no timetable for his season debut.