Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder injury report January 5, 2026: Who's out, where to watch, game breakdown, and more at Paycom Center

The Charlotte Hornets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 5, 2026, at Paycom Center in a game that brings together two teams in very different situations. Oklahoma City sits near the top of the league with a 30-6 record, while Charlotte continues to deal with injuries and lineup changes as it looks for consistency.The Thunder are coming off a loss but remain one of the most reliable teams at home. Charlotte, meanwhile, enters the night short-handed but with little to lose. For the Hornets, this game is about staying competitive, moving the ball, and finding scoring wherever possible against one of the league’s toughest defenses.

Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Injury report breakdown (Jan 5, 2026)

Charlotte Hornets’ injury report remains crowded. Ryan Kalkbrenner is out with a left elbow sprain, and Mason Plumlee continues to recover from right groin surgery.

Grant Williams is sidelined following right knee surgery, while KJ Simpson is unavailable due to a G League assignment. Moussa Diabate (right wrist sprain), Kon Knueppel (right hip contusion), and Tidjane Salaun (left ankle sprain) are all listed as questionable.

Brandon Miller is probable as he works through a left knee contusion.Oklahoma City Thunder have not released its official injury report yet. Recent absences to keep an eye on include Jaylin Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ousmane Dieng.

Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game details and setting (Jan 5, 2026)

Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Tickets start at $42, making it an accessible night for fans hoping to see one of the NBA’s top teams in action. This matchup is another measuring stick for Charlotte as it faces the Western Conference leaders on the road.

How to watch tonight's Oklahoma City Thunder vs Charlotte Hornets game

Charlotte Hornets fans can watch the game on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, while viewers in Oklahoma can tune in on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma.

The game is also available to stream on Fubo and NBA League Pass. Radio coverage and highlights will be available after the game through NBA platforms.

Matchups to watch

LaMelo Ball continues to run Charlotte’s offense, averaging 19.8 points and 8.2 assists per game. He will face a tough challenge against Oklahoma City’s perimeter defense. On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in scoring at 31.9 points per game and sets the tone for the Thunder.

Oklahoma City’s defense limits shooting efficiency and turns stops into quick offense, which could put pressure on a thin Hornets rotation.

Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction and odds outlook

Oklahoma City Thunder enter as a 15.5-point favorite, with the total set between 232.5 and 234.5. The Thunder have been dominant at home and have controlled recent meetings, including a 109-96 win in November. A projected score around 125-107 reflects Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive edge, while Charlotte Hornets may rely heavily on Ball to generate offense even if the result goes against them.