Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder vs LA Clippers Injury Report and Predicted Starting Lineups- James Harden Lands on Injury Report as Clippers Visit Thunder

Concerns loom over Clippers' camp as James Harden pops on injury report vs Thunder!

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder will welcome the LA Clippers for an NBA 2025-26 regular season clash on December 18. This is the second time these teams meet this NBA season. Their previous encounter saw the reigning champions sweep the Clippers in a blowout fashion in their own backyard. In the upcoming game, the Clippers would want to avenge the defeat, while the red-hot Thunder would aim to extend their dominance on their Pacific-division counterparts.

The Thunder enter the gameplay on the back of their latest setback. They suffered a two-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs, marking their only second defeat of the season thus far. The defeat not only crushed Thunder’s NBA Cup championship dreams, but also put an end to their remarkable 16-game winning streak.

On the other hand, the visitors, LA Clippers, will enter Thursday’s matchup on the back of a four-game losing streak. In their most-recent game, they slumped to the Memphis Grizzlies in a blowout fashion.

Both teams are coming off losses, and are seeking rebounds in the upcoming game. Considering their form and stats, one can expect a lopsided game in the favor of the defending champions. However, before that, let’s get into the injury reports and expected starting lineups for both teams as they meet on Thursday.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs LA Clippers Injury Report

Here, we breakdown the injury concerns along with the expected starting lineups for Oklahoma City Thunder vs LA Clippers.

Oklahoma City’s Injuries

Player	Position	Injury	Status
Isaiah Hartenstein	C	Rest	Out
Jaylin Williams	PF	Heel	Out
Nikola Topic	PG	Groin	Out
Thomas Sorber	PF	Knee	Out

Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams will miss Thursday’s game against the Clippers due to injury management and right heel bursitis, respectively.

Nikola Topic is undergoing treatment for testicular cancer, and he is expected to return next year.

Thomas Sorber was ruled out of the season after suffering an ACL tear.

LA Clippers’ Injuries

Player	Position	Injury	Status
James Harden	PG	Calf	Out
Nicolas Batum	PF	Illness	Out
Derrick Jones Jr.	SF	Knee	Out
Bradley Beal	SG	Hip	Out

James Harden has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Thunder due to a left calf contusion.

Nicolas Batum is out on Thursday due to illness.

Derrick Jones Jr. sprained his MCL in his right knee last month, and is expected to undergo re-evaluation soon. He will be out on Thursday.

Bradley Beal was ruled out of the season after being diagnosed with a left hip fracture that required surgery.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs LA Clippers Predicted Starting Lineups

Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams, Luguentz Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

LA Clippers: John Collins, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn

James Harden

LA Clippers

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous Alexander

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.