Image Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets Injury Report and Predicted Starting Lineup: Latest Updates on Ajay Mitchell, Jalen Williams, Jae’Sean Tate, and More Ahead of Regular Season Opener

The Thunder open their 2025-26 regular season against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

Image Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

The 2025-26 regular season kicks off with Western Conference showdown where the Houston Rockets will visit the reigning champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, on Tuesday, October 21. The Rockets, who finished the last season with a 52-30 record, went through a transformative summer, landing two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade for Jalen Green and other picks to pair with Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.

Even during the preseason, the team recorded a perfect 4-0 tally, which boosted their confidence for the regular season. However, multiple injuries, including that of Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL, could come off as a challenge as the team faces notable opponents throughout the season. Nevertheless, Kevin Durant is anxious yet excited for a new season, and we can expect him to continue dominance on the court as he locks horns with his former team on Tuesday.

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2025-26 season riding high on confidence considering they are the reigning champions and displayed a brilliant run throughout their campaign. During the offseason, they re-signed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, Jalen Williams, and Jaylin Williams, hoping to repeat the past season’s heroics.

In the preseason, they cruised through with a 3-1 record, displaying seamless chemistry and elite defense. Expectations will be sky high for Mark Daigneault’s team to repeat as contenders, projecting 60+ wins and another deep playoff run.

Here in the injury report and predicted starting lineup breakdown, we will examine key health updates, rotations, and how things could go for both teams during Tuesday-night’s drama.

Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Updates for Regular Season Opener vs Houston Rockets

PLAYER	POSITION	INJURY	STATUS
Ajay Mitchell	PG	Ankle	Questionable
Isaiah Joe	SG	Knee	Questionable
Nikola Topic	PG	Groin	Out
Kenrich Williams	SG	Knee	Out
Thomas Sorber	PF	Knee	Out
Jalen Williams	SF	Wrist	Out

The Oklahoma City Thunder have as many as six players listed on their injury report for the 2025-26 regular season opener against the Houston Rockets. While four players are listed out of the contest, two, including Ajay Mitchell and Isaiah Joe are questionable and could appear in the lineup on Tuesday. However, an official confirmation is awaited.

Houston Rockets Injury Updates for Regular Season Opener vs Oklahoma City Thunder

PLAYER	POSITION	INJURY	STATUS
Jae’Sean Tate	SF	Ankle	Out
Dorian Finney-Smith	PF	Ankle	Out
Fred VanVleet	PG	Knee	Out

The Houston Rockets have three players listed on the injury report. Jae’Sean Tate was unable to make contact during Saturday’s practice, and is reportedly a little behind while working on his way back from ankle surgery. Finney-Smith is recovering from his ankle surgery and Fred VanVleet is most likely to be out for almost the entire season due to his ACL injury.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets Predicted Starting Lineups

Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein

Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr, Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams

Houston Rockets

Oklahoma City Thunder

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.