OKC Thunder vs Denver Nuggets injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 1, 2026)

The Oklahoma City Thunder visit Ball Arena to play the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET. Both teams are near the top of the Western Conference, but several injuries could affect how the game is played.Oklahoma City has relied on its scoring and defensive size throughout the season, while Denver continues to run its offense through Nikola Jokić. However, each team is missing important rotation players, which could lead to shorter benches and heavier minutes for starters.Record: 38-11, 1st in the Western ConferenceThe Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a 123-111 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and will try to bounce back with a limited rotation. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the focal point of the offense, but several teammates are unavailable.Out: • Alex Caruso - Right adductor strain • Ajay Mitchell - Abdominal strain • Jalen Williams - Right hamstring strain; has missed multiple games • Nikola Topic - Out after a testicular-cancer-related diagnosis and surgery • Thomas Sorber - Torn right ACL; long-term absenceThese injuries remove multiple guards and a frontcourt option, which means more responsibility for Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and the available backcourt players.Questionable / Probable: • No Thunder players were listed as questionable on the official February 1 report. • Cason Wallace dealt with left-hip soreness earlier in the week and was previously listed as questionable, but he is expected to play unless there is a late change.Oklahoma City enters the game without several rotation players, which could affect perimeter defense and substitution patterns.Record: 33-16, 2nd in the Western ConferenceDenver defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 122-109 in its last game, helped by Jokić’s return. The Nuggets still have several injuries, but their main scorers are trending toward playing.Out: • Cameron Johnson - Knee bone bruise • Aaron Gordon - Right hamstring strain; expected to remain out until at least mid-March • Tamar Bates - Left-foot surgery (two-way/G-League)The absences reduce Denver’s wing depth and may require longer minutes from younger players.Questionable / Probable: • Nikola Jokić - Left-knee bone bruise; listed as probable and expected to play after recording 31 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in 25 minutes against the Clippers. • Jamal Murray - Hamstring and hip inflammation; also probable as the team manages his workload. • Christian Braun - Left-ankle sprain; listed as doubtful/questionable and unlikely to play.If Jokić and Murray are available, Denver should be able to run its usual offense. Any limitation would put more pressure on the rest of the roster.This is the first meeting between the teams in the 2025-26 regular season. Two more games are scheduled: • February 27 - Nuggets at Thunder • March 9 - Thunder at NuggetsThe teams have played 203 regular-season games, with Oklahoma City leading the series 107-96. Recent matchups have often been close, with Denver relying on Jokić’s passing and Oklahoma City leaning on pace, outside shooting, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring.Oklahoma City Thunder strengths:Oklahoma City is one of the highest-scoring teams in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging about 33.3 points per game. The team also benefits from defensive length and a young roster.Denver Nuggets strengths:Nikola Jokić is averaging roughly 24.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 12.0 assists while directing an efficient offense. Denver ranks near the top of the league in field-goal percentage and assists.Both teams continue to produce on offense despite injuries. Bench play and ball control could matter more than usual.Gilgeous-Alexander may spend time matched up with Jamal Murray if Murray plays. Oklahoma City’s big men, including Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, will likely rotate on Jokić to avoid foul trouble. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to attack the paint could challenge Denver’s perimeter defense.The Thunder are without Caruso, Mitchell, and Williams. Denver is missing Gordon, Braun, and Johnson. Production from players such as Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Peyton Watson, and Jalen Pickett could become important.Oklahoma City prefers a faster pace and looks for three-point shots in transition. Denver usually slows the game and works through half-court sets led by Jokić. If Denver’s guards are limited, Oklahoma City may try to increase the tempo.The Thunder may send extra defenders toward Jokić and force available wings to score. Denver could respond by targeting Oklahoma City’s thinner backcourt through switches and drives. The standings suggest a matchup between two top teams, but injuries add uncertainty. Denver may have an advantage at home if both Jokić and Murray play without restrictions. If either player is limited, Oklahoma City’s athleticism and scoring could shift the balance.Also read: Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Oklahoma City Thunder? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star's injury report (February 1, 2026)The game will likely depend on how each team manages its available players. Expect a high number of outside shots, steady involvement from Jokić as a passer, and a large scoring role for Gilgeous-Alexander.