oklahoma city thunder is a match with Los Angeles Lakers On Monday, February 9, 2026. This game is very important for both teams as it could affect the playoff position in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City has the league’s best record at 40-13, while the Lakers are 32-19 and not far off the top of the standings.Both teams are missing key players and this could be the deciding factor as to which team will be 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 will likely play a big role.
Oklahoma City Thunder injury status and available rotation vs. Los Angeles Lakers (February 9, 2026)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out with an abdominal strain and is not expected to return until February 20. Ajay Mitchell has also been ruled out with an abdominal injury, Nikola Topic is recovering from testicular surgery, and Thomas Sorber is out for the season after tearing his ACL.Jalen Williams has been dealing with a hamstring issue and was previously a game-time decision, but he was not listed in the latest report. Jared McCann, who was sidelined for non-injury reasons, has returned to the rotation.Chet Holmgren leads the active group with Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Brandon Carlson, Chris Youngblood, Brooks Barnheiser 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 with a strained left hamstring. Edou Thiero is also out with a right MCL sprain. Deandre Ayton has been placed on the probable list due to knee soreness and is expected to play.LeBron James continues to handle the heavy workload, averaging nearly 21.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Jackson Hayes, Jake Laravia, Drew Timme, Jared Vanderbilt, Nick Smith Jr., Chris Mannon, Kobe Bufkin and Maxi Kleber are expected to be available.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers season series and recent meetings
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 lead in the all-time record, although the gap has narrowed in recent years.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers team identification and statistical profile
The Thunder are averaging 120.3 points per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three-point range. He recorded 43.5 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.9 steals and 5.9 blocks per game, and shot 82.7 percent from the free-throw line.With Gilgeous-Alexander out, Holmgren becomes the primary scoring option. He usually 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 do more ball-handling. Defensively, Oklahoma City relies on length and rim protection.The Lakers are averaging 116.1 points on 49.7 percent shooting and 35.1 percent from three. He posted 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. Reeves adds secondary playmaking and shoots nearly 87 percent from the free-throw line. Hachimura is converting nearly 43 percent of his three-point attempts. Smart and Laravia provide perimeter security. 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
| Social class | Oklahoma City Thunder (2025–26) | Los Angeles Lakers (2025–26) |
| Records (till February 9) | 40-13 | 32-19 |
| points per game | 120.3 | 116.1 |
| FG% | 48.9% | 49.7% |
| 3p% | 35.9% | 35.1% |
| Rebounds | 43.5 | 41.3 |
| Help | 25.4 | 25.1 |
| blocks | 5.9 | 4.1 |
| major absence | SGA, Mitchell, Topic, Sorber | doncic, thiero |
Tactical edge 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 increases pace and spaces the field with shooters like Joe, Wiggins and Boeheim.The Lakers will rely on James to create scoring chances, especially through pick-and-roll actions that free up shooters like Reeves, Kennard and Hachimura. Ayton’s interior scoring could matter if Oklahoma City sends extra help on the ball. The experience of James, Smart, Reeves and Vanderbilt could also be important late in the game.Smart and Reeves will likely handle the ball more, with Nick Smith Jr. and Kobe Bufkin providing relief minutes. Expect Oklahoma City to rotate Dort, Wallace and Caruso onto James with support near the rim.Three-point shooting could impact the outcome, especially the matchup between Isaiah Joe and the Lakers’ perimeter scorers.