Bucks at the Mavericks (Image via Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images) The Oklahoma City Thunder face the Milwaukee Bucks on January 21, 2026. According to recent reports, both teams are dealing with serious injury issues that have prevented rotations from being flexible. These injuries have removed several regulars, forcing each side to make unfavorable adjustments and work with what’s available.Instead of leaning on full-strength lineups, this game comes down to how well each team manages minutes and matchups. Role players will be asked to do more than usual, and small mistakes could swing the result. The team that stays steady, runs its sets, and avoids turnovers is likely to come out on top.
Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Breakdown vs Milwaukee Bucks (January 21, 2026)
Oklahoma City Thunder arrive with a long list of absences, including starters and important rotation players. The Thunder have already been forced to play shorthanded in recent games and will face similar constraints again.PlayerPositionStatusInjury Alex Caruso SG Out Right Adductor Strain Isaiah Hartenstein C Out Right Soleus Strain Thomas Sorber F Out Right ACL Surgical Recovery Nikola Topic PG Out Surgical Recovery Aaron Wiggins SF Out Right Groin Soreness Jalen Williams SG Out Right Hamstring Strain Jaylin Williams PF Out Left Glut ContusionShai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren remain available and will carry much of the load. In the previous game against Cleveland, the Thunder finished with just 10 players, and both Caruso and Jaylin Williams were forced out early. That experience may help Oklahoma City adjust again, but the lack of depth limits flexibility.
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Breakdown vs Oklahoma City Thunder (January 21, 2026)
Milwaukee Bucks is also dealing with multiple injuries, particularly among frontcourt and wing players. These absences affect rebounding, spacing, and defensive matchups.PlayerPositionStatusInjury Alex Antetokounmpo F Out G League – Two-Way Kevin Porter Jr. SG Out Oblique Muscle Strain Taurean Prince SF Out Neck Surgery Myles Turner C Out Left Ankle SprainWith Turner out due to an ankle sprain and Prince unavailable after neck surgery, the Bucks lose size and defensive coverage. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the centerpiece, while Bobby Portis is expected to handle extra work on the glass. Porter’s absence also creates more minutes for guards further down the rotation.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game Outlook
Both teams are thin, and neither can afford foul trouble or inefficient stretches. Oklahoma City is missing multiple rotation players, while Milwaukee lacks depth in the frontcourt and on the wing. The pace may increase, and perimeter shooting could play a larger role. Players who normally come off the bench will likely decide how this game turns out.