OKC Thunder Rookie Earns First Start Aimed Injuries vs. Hornets

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Charlotte Hornets in a game that sees both teams banged up. The Thunder are without four key rotational pieces including two starters, this has led Mark Daigneault to shake things up. Ajay Mitchell earns his first start.

Dec 23, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) dribbles the ball down the court against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder battle the Charlotte Hornets in hopes of winning its tenth straight game. Despite being 12.5 point favorites, the Thunder will have to battle adversity without Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso and Chet Holmgren.

All of these injuries has led to Mark Daigneault being forced to shake up his rotation and starting five. The Thunder will give two-way rookie guard Ajay Mitchell his first career start in this contest, using Isaiah Joe off the bench where he produces much better in his season-splits. Aaron Wiggins will slot in as the fifth starter who has been a swingman for Daigneault during this season as OKC flips through a Wallace-Joe-Wiggins trio for its fifth starter in each game.

The Hornets are also banged up without LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller or Cody Martin in this contest. That presents old friend Vasilije Micic to enter the starting five for Buzz City. Micic was part of the Gordon Hayward swap last Feburary, with his other former-Thunder teammate Tre Mann sidelined for this one due to injuries.

Ultimately, a lot will be placed on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to lead the short-handed Thunder past the lowly Hornets on the front end of a back-to-back, with Memphis looming in the Paycom Center tomorrow.

Oklahoma City Thunder Starters:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
• Ajay Mitchell
• Aaron Wiggins
• Jalen Williams
• Isaiah Hartenstein

Charlotte Hornets Starters:

• Vasilije Micic
• Seth Curry
• Josh Green
• Miles Bridges
• Mark Williams

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