Several players have been injured, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are having a difficult run of games in the 2025–26 NBA season. There isn’t anything the defending champions could dobut deal with the setbacks. Unfortunately for the team, it has given them a problem in one of the games they played last week.
Dan Woike of The Athletic reports that the NBA has opened an inquiry into the team’s player absences on Wednesday’s 116-106 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. OKC reportedly sat out 10 players due to injury and dressed eight players for the game. The issue was that the game was nationally televised.
In 2023, the league implemented a rule to ensure that elite players are available for nationally televised games.
The players who did not play against San Antonio were: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, Lugentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell, Nikola Topic, Ousmane Dieng and Thomas Sorber.
According to the league rules, either Gilgeous-Alexander or Williams should have played against the Spurs. Both players are qualified based on the rules, making them fit to be “star players.” According to the rules, star players are the ones who have been named to an All-Star or All-NBA over the past three seasons.
Thunder’s Gilgeous-Alexander was the NBA MVP, an All-Star and was named to the All-NBA first team last season. Williams, meanwhile, was an All-Star and named to the All-NBA third team.
The Thunder bounced back with a win against the Lakers on Monday
After back-to-back losses, the Thunder overcame the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, 119-110. Williams returned to the lineup after missing 10 straight games. He led the team with 23 points (10 in the fourth quarter).
After the contest, Williams spoke about staying healthy.
“Just a blessing. Can’t take basketball for granted. Can’t take health for granted,” Williams said.
"Can't take basketball for granted, can't take health for granted."
Jalen Williams talks with Robbie Hummel after his clutch performance vs the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/ZGpUTEL3aL
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) February 10, 2026
The Thunder is still missing their best player, who will be out through the All-Star break.
For the latest Basketball Content
Follow me on X at @BarbecueBro, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics. You can also reach out to Reign Amurao via email at reignamuraonba@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
