The Oklahoma City Thunder are aiming to remain undefeated in Saturday’s matchup against the 1-1 Atlanta Hawks at 7:30 p.m. ET, and they’ll get a boost with a promising young guard returning following his brief absence.
Cason Wallace will return to game action after missing Thursday’s double-overtime win over the Indiana Pacers due to a sprained left knee, according to the NBA’s official injury report. Still, the Thunder will be shorthanded, with Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Nikola Topic, Kenrich Williams and Thomas Sorber all sidelined.
The defending champions will face off against a rising Hawks team eager to rebound after missing the postseason in back-to-back years. Atlanta, though, won’t be at full strength. Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porzingis are both listed as questionable to play, while Zaccharie Risacher has already been ruled out due to a sprained right ankle.
MORE: Thunder fans get positive injury update on Chet Holmgren vs. Hawks
Cason Wallace ready to return after absence
While the Thunder managed to secure a win against a banged-up Pacers squad Thursday, Wallace’s two-way impact was certainly missed. The 21-year-old guard made an impression on both ends of the floor during Tuesday’s season-opening double-overtime win over the Houston Rockets.
Starting in place of Jalen Williams on Tuesday, Wallace racked up 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a game-high four steals in 42 minutes. He’ll likely remain in the starting unit until Williams is able to return, as the star forward is still recovering from offseason wrist surgery he underwent in July.
Wallace started 43 of his 68 regular-season appearances during the 2024-25 campaign and will look to build on a solid sophomore season. He’ll aim to prove he belongs in the starting five once Williams returns.
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