Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 9, 2026)

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a match with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, February 9, 2026. This game is kind of important for both the teams as it could affect playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

Oklahoma City holds the league’s best record at 40-13, while the Lakers are 32-19 and are not far from the top of the standings.Both teams are missing important players and this could be a deciding factor in which side comes out more successful in tonight's game. The Thunder will play without their top scorer, and the Lakers are adjusting to the absence of Luka Doncic. Depth and defensive execution are likely to play a large role.

Oklahoma City Thunder injury situation and available rotation vs Los Angeles Lakers (February 9, 2026)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out with an abdominal strain and is not expected back until around February 20. Ajay Mitchell is also sidelined with an abdominal injury, Nikola Topic continues to recover from testicular surgery, and Thomas Sorber is out for the season after tearing his ACL.Jalen Williams has been managing a hamstring issue and was previously considered a game-time decision, though he was not listed on the latest report.

Jared McCain, who had a non-injury absence, has returned to the rotation.

Chet Holmgren leads the active group alongside Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Branden Carlson, Chris Youngblood, Brooks Barnhizer, and Buddy Boeheim. Despite the injuries, Oklahoma City still has several lineup options.

Los Angeles Lakers injury report and projected contributors vs Oklahoma City Thunder (February 9, 2026)

Luka Doncic will miss the game because of a left hamstring strain.

Adou Thiero is also out with a right MCL sprain. Deandre Ayton is listed as probable with knee soreness and is expected to play.LeBron James continues to handle a heavy workload, averaging about 21.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia, Drew Timme, Jarred Vanderbilt, Nick Smith Jr., Chris Manon, Kobe Bufkin, and Maxi Kleber are expected to be available.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers Season series and recent meeting

The teams last played on November 12, when Oklahoma City won 121-92. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 30 points and nine assists, while Doncic had 19 points and seven assists. The Thunder shot better than 48 percent from the field and controlled the rebounding.Oklahoma City leads the season series 1-0. The remaining matchups are scheduled for April 2 in Oklahoma City and April 7 in Los Angeles. The Lakers still hold a slight edge in the all-time record, though the gap has narrowed in recent years.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers Team identity and statistical profile

The Thunder average 120.3 points per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three-point range. They record 43.5 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.9 steals, and 5.9 blocks per game, and shoot 82.7 percent from the free-throw line.With Gilgeous-Alexander out, Holmgren becomes the primary scoring option. He typically produces around 23-25 points, 8-9 rebounds, and more than two blocks. Isaiah Joe and Luguentz Dort provide outside scoring, while Wallace and Wiggins take on more ball-handling.

Defensively, Oklahoma City relies on length and rim protection.The Lakers average 116.1 points on 49.7 percent shooting and 35.1 percent from three. They post 41.3 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.2 steals, and 4.1 blocks, while shooting 77.1 percent from the line.Without Doncic, James is expected to run the offense. Reaves adds secondary playmaking and shoots close to 87 percent from the free-throw line. Hachimura is converting roughly 43 percent of his three-point attempts.

Smart and LaRavia provide perimeter defense. If Ayton plays, his size could help against Holmgren, with Hayes and Timme supporting the frontcourt.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers Quick Snapshot Table

Tactical edges that could decide the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers game

Oklahoma City has an advantage in size and lineup flexibility, often using multiple strong defenders at once. The team also pushes the pace and spaces the floor with shooters such as Joe, Wiggins, and Boeheim.The Lakers will depend on James to create scoring chances, especially through pick-and-roll actions that free shooters like Reaves, Kennard, and Hachimura.

Ayton’s interior scoring could matter if Oklahoma City sends extra help toward the ball. Experience from James, Smart, Reaves, and Vanderbilt may also be important late in the game.Smart and Reaves are likely to handle more of the ball, with Nick Smith Jr. and Kobe Bufkin providing relief minutes. Oklahoma City is expected to rotate Dort, Wallace, and Caruso onto James with support near the rim.Three-point shooting could influence the result, particularly the matchup between Isaiah Joe and the Lakers’ perimeter scorers.