Lights, camera, action. The NBA’s finest take centerstage for the conference finals. In the West, the Timberwolves have a chance to avenge past woes, and emerge victorious in the WCF, unlike last season. But for Thunder, it’s about making a statement. They blitzed through the regular season, and look like favourites to be the best in the land. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams at their thunderous best, this is the best chance they have of setting the record straight.
To be honest, no one expected them to stumble like they did against the Nuggets. That win all but confirmed Shai’s status as the deserved MVP of the season. But as their de facto leader, he’s praised his team time and time again. He’d be nothing without them. But which of those players are available tonight at the Paycom Center?
Thunder injury report ahead of Timberwolves Game 1
Shai made history in game 7 against the Nuggets. And to do it in an all-out MVP battle against Nikola Jokic is insane. With 35 points on the board, he became the second player in franchise history to have a 35+ pointer Game 7 after Kevin Durant. Unmatched aura. And he’s ready to make his mark in NBA history leading OKC to their maiden championship win. It’s a shame for Minnesota that he’s available to play tonight. It just makes Chris Finch’s job that much harder, doesn’t it?
Jalen Williams is used to dancing with the Wolves. He’s averaged 19.8/4.8/6.8 in 4 games against Minnesota this season. Talk about the alpha marking his territory in wolf-infested lands. It takes a lot of talent to set yourself apart in the team despite having a serial point scorer like SGA. But his talent speaks for itself, and he’s putting his name out there as one of the best SFs in the league. But will he play tonight? Yes, J-Dub is available for tonight’s game.
Apr 24, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) celebrates after scoring a basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Thunder got statpadders across the board. But them being the top offensive and defensive team isn’t due to any of those. Wih Alex Caruso slowly being labelled as the “Jokic stopper,” his work goes beyond those numbers. And he’s just as important as the rest of them. Look away Wolves fans, as OKC’s Derrick White is available to play tonight too.
There’s just one problem though. Turns out that not all of their injury report is green tonight, according to ESPN. But Mark Daigneault has played with Nikola Topic for the whole year. He suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee before the season even began, and that put him out for the whole season. So the Serbian rookie is out for tonight too.
Thunder predicted lineup vs Timberwolves
Mark Daigneault has a superteam on his hands. Not only can they provide masterclasses every single game, their whole squad has been fit for the longest time. So on that note, let’s look at their expected lineup ahead of the Wolves game:
Point Guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexande
Shooting Guard
Luguentz Dort
Small Forward
Jalen Williams
Power Forward
Chet Holmgren
Center
Isaiah Hartenstein
Can anyone remember the last time they fielded a different lineup? This core 5 just seems to do the trick time and time again. SGA might have the spotlight on him tonight. But don’t forget the indispensable roles of Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso in the squad. Who do you think will win tonight?
The post Will Jalen Williams & Alex Caruso Play Tonight vs Timberwolves? OKC Thunder Injury Report in WCF Game 1 appeared first on EssentiallySports.