Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies injury report: Injured and questionable players, where to watch, team stats, and more January 9, 2026 | NBA News
The January 9, 2026 matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies is set to be shaped almost entirely by injuries. Both teams are entering the game short-handed, forcing them to rely on depth and adjust rotations before tipoff. The focus is expected to shift away from star power and toward execution from role players.With rotations stretched thin on both sides, the game is likely to come down to structure and decision-making. Bench players are projected to log heavier minutes, and both coaching staffs are expected to simplify their approach to limit mistakes.
Oklahoma City’s Short-Handed Rotation vs Memphis Grizzlies (January 9, 2026)
Oklahoma City Thunder is expected to be without seven players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains out with a right ankle sprain, while Chet Holmgren is sidelined due to bilateral shin soreness. Isaiah Hartenstein is out with right soleus soreness. Cason Wallace, Jaylin Williams, Ousmane Dieng, and Nikola Topic are also unavailable. Alex Caruso is listed as questionable with lower back soreness.With much of the usual starting group missing, Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Ajay Mitchell are expected to take on expanded roles.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report vs Oklahoma City Thunder (January 9, 2026)
Memphis Grizzlies are dealing with its own long injury list. Ja Morant is out with a right calf contusion, while Zach Edey is sidelined due to a left ankle stress reaction. Brandon Clarke, Ty Jerome, and Scotty Pippen Jr. remain unavailable. John Konchar is listed as doubtful, Vince Williams Jr. as questionable, and Cedric Coward is out.That leaves Jaren Jackson Jr. as the primary option, with Cam Spencer and several bench players expected to see increased minutes.
Expected Adjustments
Oklahoma City is likely to rely on shared ball-handling and quicker possessions. Williams is expected to handle most of the creation, while Dort focuses on defense and pushing the pace. Wiggins and Mitchell are projected to space the floor and make quick decisions.Memphis is expected to lean heavily on its depth. Jake LaRavia, Santi Aldama, Luke Kennard, and GG Jackson II are all in line for expanded roles, while Jackson Jr. is expected to look for mismatches.
What to Watch
Oklahoma City enters at 31-7 and is expected to hold an edge in consistency, while Memphis sits at 16–21. With both teams thin in the frontcourt, a faster pace and defensive breakdowns are possible. The game is likely to be decided by which group of role players handles the added responsibility more effectively.
