The Oklahoma City Thunder, seeking a 5-0 start to the season, visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday amid a slew of injuries that have decimated their roster. The Thunder are without All-Star forward Jalen Williams, who suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated left ankle against the Clippers and is expected to miss months, possibly the rest of the season. Guard Cason Wallace is also out with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, while Alex Caruso (right ankle sprain) and Chet Holmgren (patellar tendinitis) will miss the game. Ajay Mitchell is questionable with an ankle issue.
Dallas, sitting at 2-2, has its own injury concerns. Kyrie Irving is listed as questionable with a knee issue after playing 33 minutes on Monday. Forwards Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin are also questionable, with Martin yet to debut this season. Rookie Cooper Flagg impressed in Monday's win over Miami with 29 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and three blocks. Two-way signing Walter Clayton contributed 15 points, four assists and four steals in 17 minutes.
Betting markets favor Oklahoma City at -6.5, with 73% of bets and 65% of money on the Thunder. The total is set at 229.5, with the over receiving similar support. A same-game parlay featuring Dallas +6.5 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 25+ points is priced at +114. The Thunder's defensive depth has been severely tested after offseason trades sent Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins away, and now none of their four recent All-Defensive perimeter players are available.
Oklahoma City swept last season's series 3-0, winning by an average of 13 points, but the current roster is vastly different. If Irving and Marshall play, the Mavericks could win outright. A projection model predicts a 118-115 Thunder victory, though it also forecasts an unlikely 44.5 points for Gilgeous-Alexander.
