{"id":469,"date":"2026-10-26T15:12:56","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T14:12:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nbamaniacs.com\/en\/?p=469"},"modified":"2026-10-26T17:04:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T17:04:54","slug":"thunder-vs-suns-preview-predictions-stats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nbamaniacs.com\/en\/thunder-vs-suns-preview-predictions-stats\/","title":{"rendered":"Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns: preview, predictions and stats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Less than 24 hours after seeing one of their key players, Jalen Williams, suffer one of the most horrific-looking injuries<\/a><\/strong> in recent NBA history, the Thunder must take to the court again. That’s the NBA for you. The schedule never stops, and tonight’s visit from the Phoenix Suns will test not just Oklahoma City’s physical strength but also their ability to cope emotionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thunder vs Suns date and time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Date:<\/strong> Monday, 26 October 2026 in the US, early hours of Tuesday, 27 October in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time<\/strong>: The Thunder vs Suns game tips off at 12:00am GMT in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Kingdom (GMT)<\/td>12:00am, 27 October<\/td><\/tr>
US Eastern Time (EDT)<\/td>8:00pm, 26 October<\/td><\/tr>
US Central Time (CDT)<\/td>7:00pm, 26 October<\/td><\/tr>
US Mountain Time (MDT)<\/td>6:00pm, 26 October<\/td><\/tr>
US Pacific Time (PDT)<\/td>5:00pm, 26 October<\/td><\/tr>
Central Europe (CET)<\/td>1:00am, 27 October<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Venue<\/strong>: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thunder vs Suns starting lineups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mark Daigneault will have to fill the gap left by Jalen Williams in the starting five. He could opt for another ball-handler such as Ajay Mitchell or a defensive specialist like Alex Caruso. Cason Wallace’s fitness is also a concern. Meanwhile, Phoenix are not expected to make major changes to the lineup that beat the Warriors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thunder<\/strong><\/td>Suns<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/td>Devin Booker<\/td><\/tr>
Ajay Mitchell<\/td>Jalen Green<\/td><\/tr>
Cason Wallace<\/td>Dillon Brooks<\/td><\/tr>
Chet Holmgren<\/td>Miles Bridges<\/td><\/tr>
Isaiah Hartenstein<\/td>Khaman Maluach<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Thunder vs Suns: best bet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Winning in Oklahoma City is never easy, but the Suns have a decent opportunity ahead of them. With the Thunder playing on consecutive nights and still recovering from the shock of Williams’ injury, this could be a good chance for Phoenix to pull off an upset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thunder latest news: injuries and form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even from the outside, it is difficult to focus solely on basketball when analysing the Thunder. Williams’ injury was so devastating that much of the discussion now centres on how the team will cope without him, who can replace him and how long he might be sidelined. In some ways, though, that is unfair on the rest of the squad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, OKC have started the season in dominant fashion. In their opening games, they exposed the weaknesses of two major Western Conference rivals before taking care of business against the Clippers last night to remain unbeaten. And the truth is that, at least during the regular season, they may well maintain that level of dominance even without J-Dub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Player to watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After 141 games, Shai’s remarkable streak of scoring at least 20 points finally came to an end on Friday. He responded with 34 points against the Clippers last night, but it is hard to imagine that will be enough to satisfy his determination to prove he remains one of the league’s most unstoppable players. Expect another MVP-calibre performance from the Canadian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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