The Cavs could welcome a returning star off the bench against the Thunder

After starting their journey with a victory, c Cleveland Cavaliers they want to keep up the good times against their last opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last time out, The Cavs kicked out Indiana Pacers 127-117, led by superstar Donovan Mitchell. The thunder, meanwhile, is broken Philadelphia 76ers on the road 118-102.

This will be Cleveland’s second and final game. Since both teams are in separate conferences, they only face each other twice a season. The first time the two teams faced off, the Cavs defended their home court, beating the Thunder 129-122. So, heading into this matchup, Oklahoma City will be looking for revenge as they defend their home turf. However, with both teams dealing with a series of injuries that have impacted their lineups, both will have to dig deep to ensure they remain the NBA’s top dog.

Who’s on the injury report for Thunder vs. Cleveland?

Against the Cavs, Oklahoma City will be without Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), Chet Holmgren (pelvis), Dillon Jones (NBA G League assignment), Ajay Mitchell (finger) and Nikola Topic (knee). Meanwhile, Ousmane Dieng and Adam Flagler are available after being listed as absent while on assignment with the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s NBA G League affiliate.

Having extra players like Dieng and Flagler is a bonus for the Thunder. However, it is difficult to lose Hartenstein and Holmgren. Hartenstein was injured during the win against the 76ers. He will be re-evaluated in about a week. Holmgren, meanwhile, was injured in the loss to the Golden State Warriors. He started doing simple basketball activities as he works on his comeback.

This will be the second time the Thunder have been without Holmgren and Hartenstein this season. Oklahoma City was 3-2 the first time it happened. Then Holmgren broke his pelvis, and Hartenstein’s debut was delayed due to a broken left hand. Hopefully, the Thunder can handle the Cavs’ dynamic big duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen without them.

The star from the Cavs bench could return to the lineup against Oklahoma City!

For Cleveland, the Cavs will be without Emmon Bates, JT Thor and Luke Travers. All three players are on assignment with the Cleveland Charge, the Cavs’ NBA G League affiliate, which should come as no surprise. All three players need opportunities on the court to grow and develop, something they don’t get regularly with the Cavs. Instead, they get these opportunities with the Charge, allowing them to grow and develop into players who can make a difference on the field for the premier club.

A more worrisome name on Cleveland’s injury report is Ty Jerome, who is considered questionable while dealing with an illness. Unfortunately for Jerome and the Cavs, it’s cold and flu season, which means these injuries can happen. However, after missing time with the illness, Jerome could return against Oklahoma City, giving the team an extra boost to the bench.

If Jerome can’t play against the Thunder, it will be a blow to a Cavs team that relies on his production. Almost always available for Cleveland, Jerome averages 10.1 points in 17.6 minutes, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals. If Jerome can’t play, look for the Cavs to lean more heavily on Caris LeVert, Max Struss, Sam Merrill and other key reserves.