The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to take on one of the Eastern Conference's worst squads in the Philadelphia 76ers.
With a 56-12 record, the Thunder are among the league's best this year, and they are hosting the 23-45 76ers.
Oklahoma City is entering the matchup with both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams sidelined, however.
Missing two of their top players is far from ideal, though Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was quite candid that at this point in the season, players are dealing with minor issues and getting overall run down.
Mid-March is about the time teams start getting more rest than usual and preparing for the playoffs -- which the Thunder will be playing in.
In fact, Oklahoma City can clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a win. However, they are going to have to do so shorthanded.
Prior to the matchup with Philadelphia in the city, the Thunder made a critical announcement.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe at Fiserv Forum. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Thunder make unfortunate announcement before 76ers game
While Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams were ruled out early, the team recently announced that Cason Wallace and Isaiah Hartenstein are also joining the two as inactive in the game.
"Isaiah Hartenstein and Cason Wallace are both out for tonight's Sixers vs. Thunder game," Clemente Almanza shared on X.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Cason Wallace are both out for tonight's Sixers vs. Thunder game
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 19, 2025
Hartenstein, Wallace and Williams are all listed with injuries, though Gilgeous-Alexander is out due to "rest," which certainly doesn't bode well for the investigation the NBA launched over their recent resting of stars.
Evidently, it seems the club is prepared for whatever punishment they may receive for going against the player participation policy, which will be quite worth it to have their players rejuvenated for the playoffs.
Hartenstein and Wallace are crucial role players to the team, so their absence will be felt on Wednesday night, though it's just as important for them to get to 100% health.
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This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 6:41 PM.