When you see a matchup like the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the Golden State Warriors, you circle it on your calendar. On one side, you have the NBA’s most dominant force, a Thunder team sitting pretty at a historic 20-1. On the other, the proven dynasty of the Warriors, fighting to find their footing at 11-10. But the game scheduled for December 2, 2025, at Chase Center is shaping up to be something entirely different than a simple clash of titans. It's become a battle of attrition.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the game with a blistering 20-1 record, riding a 12-game winning streak.
- ✓ Golden State’s superstar Stephen Curry will miss his second straight game with a left quadriceps contusion.
- ✓ Both teams are facing significant injury woes, with key defensive players like OKC's Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort also sidelined.
- ✓ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the Thunder, averaging a staggering 32.5 points per game.
- ✓ Oddsmakers have the Thunder listed as heavy 11.5 to 12-point favorites due to the Warriors' depleted roster.
The Warriors' Mounting Roster Woes
Let's just get right to it—the Warriors are in a tough spot. The biggest news, of course, is that their offensive engine, Stephen Curry, is out. He’s missing his second straight game with a left quadriceps contusion he picked up against Houston. You just can’t overstate what his absence means; Golden State’s entire system of spacing, tempo, and scoring punch takes a massive hit without him on the floor.
But the injury report doesn't stop there. Veteran forward Al Horford is also sidelined with right sciatic nerve irritation, taking a key piece out of their frontcourt rotation. And the long-term absences of De’Anthony Melton (left ACL surgery) and Alex Toohey (left knee recovery) mean their depth is already stretched thin. It’s a cascading effect that leaves them scrambling for answers.
The uncertainty continues with Jimmy Butler, whose status is up in the air after a hard fall resulted in a left gluteal contusion. He joked to reporters that he has “enough cushion” to handle it, but we’ll see if that translates to being game-ready. To make matters worse, Trayce Jackson-Davis is questionable with right knee patellar tendonitis. The one sliver of good news? Draymond Green is expected to play despite dealing with a right midfoot sprain, but he’ll have his work cut out for him.
Oklahoma City's Defensive Dilemma
You might think the red-hot Thunder are coming into this one unscathed, but that’s far from the truth. While their offense has been firing on all cylinders, their normally elite defensive structure is facing a serious strain. Their injury list is just as lengthy and impactful as Golden State's, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.
Two of their best perimeter defenders are out of commission. Alex Caruso, one of the league’s fiercest disruptors, is sitting with right quad soreness. On top of that, their primary lockdown wing, Luguentz Dort, remains out with a right adductor strain. Losing both of those guys at the same time is a huge blow to their on-ball pressure and ability to contain opposing guards.
The frontcourt isn't immune, either. Isaiah Hartenstein is unavailable due to a right soleus strain, forcing OKC to shuffle their interior rotation. This is all happening while they're still managing long-term injuries to guys like Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgery) and Nikola Topic (surgical rehab). While Branden Carlson has been cleared to play through a nasal fracture, the team’s overall depth is being seriously tested.
How the Absences Reshape the Matchup
So, what does this all mean for the game itself? Well, it creates some fascinating dynamics. With the Warriors' backcourt so depleted defensively and Curry off the floor, this is a prime opportunity for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to have a massive night. He's already averaging an incredible 32.5 points per game, and now he'll be facing a defense that’s missing its key pieces.
The return of Jalen Williams from his wrist issue is a huge stabilizer for the Thunder. His presence helps shore up their depth and gives them a significant advantage, especially with Golden State running on fumes. This game is going to come down to which team’s role players can step up and fill the massive voids left by the starters. It's a classic "next man up" scenario for both franchises.
A Look Back and What the Oddsmakers Think
If you're wondering how the experts see this playing out, the betting lines tell a clear story. Oddsmakers have the Thunder listed as heavy favorites, giving the Warriors anywhere from 11.5 to 12 points. That’s a massive spread for an NBA game, and it speaks volumes about how impactful these injuries are perceived to be. The projected total for the game is hanging around 222.5 points.
A look at their last meeting provides some telling context. The Thunder absolutely dismantled the Warriors, winning 126-102. In that game, Chet Holmgren was dominant, putting up 23 points and 11 rebounds on a perfect shooting night. Gilgeous-Alexander was his usual brilliant self, dropping 28 points and 11 assists. Meanwhile, the Warriors got just 13 points from Jonathan Kuminga and a quiet 11 from Curry. It just wasn't enough to keep pace.
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Conclusion
The bottom line is this: the showdown between the Thunder and Warriors on Tuesday night won't be the star-studded affair we initially expected. Instead, it’s a fascinating test of resilience, strategy, and depth. We're about to see a gritty, guard-centric duel where the outcome will likely be decided by the role players who rise to the occasion—or stumble under the pressure. While OKC comes in as the clear favorite, anything can happen when two rosters are this banged up.
