There’s no denying that Oklahoma City is still dealing with lots of injuries this season. Nothing has been easy for the team, and they were finding ways to win without their full lineup. Even as they approach the closing stretch of the 2025-26 campaign, it’s no wonder they are missing key players, too. With a contender showdown coming up, Ajay Mitchell‘s timely return from injury should add more flavor to the Thunder vs. Nuggets clash.
Mitchell has not played a single game since January 21st after suffering an abdominal strain and a left ankle sprain. He was originally gunning for the Sixth Man of the Year honors this season, especially with his impressive leap in the game. At this point, the Thunder need more of him en route to a duel with a division rival.
Thunder vs Nuggets Gets Interesting with OKC Playmaker’s Return
After becoming the first team to win 50 wins this season, Oklahoma City now turns its eyes to proving its worth against Denver. With Mitchell now confirmed to be back, it seems that they’re getting more help than ever.
Now off of the injury report, all Thunder fans are happy to see a strengthened OKC squad. Going up against Denver — where every single game has been a high-stakes showdown — Mitchell’s return could not have come at a better time. At one point, the Thunder didn’t have Mitchell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams. With all of the injuries that they continue to suffer, it seems like they’re getting a break.
BEEN TOO LONG BUT WE FINALLY GOT OUR 6TH MAN BACK
— ThunderChats (@ThunderChats) March 8, 2026
Before he missed 20 games due to an injury, Mitchell was averaging 14.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in his last 10 games. This was an impressive stretch for him — until he tweaked his ankle. The Thunder guard would not return in that win against Milwaukee. Since then, OKC has missed his services badly, especially with key playmakers out.
For the season, Mitchell is shooting 48.7% from the field, including 35% from three, in 43 games. While he’s fallen off in the 6MOTY race, what matters now for the Thunder is his healthy return. This should be enough to help them gear up as they seek to push into the playoff chase.
Jan 21, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) goest up for shot after stealing the ball from he Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Thunder vs Nuggets Takes a Turn for the Better for OKC
Chet Holmgren (flu) and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf contusion) are both expected to be out for OKC. This just means that they’ll be needing some extra strength on the boards without their main centers. In fact, Branden Carlson will be missing the game with a back strain. However, Mitchell getting back is a bigger help than most people think.
Jaylin Williams is definitely playing center in this clash. Then probably insert power backups like Kenrich Williams. SGA may even take the small forward spot, and maybe Jared McCain brings in some shooting — or Isaiah Joe. As one of the best scorers for OKC, Mitchell being back means the defending champs aren’t stretching themselves thin.
Ajay Mitchell’s last game before injury
— Gur Singh (@HoopFocusX) March 8, 2026
Mitchell brings better playmaking for Oklahoma City, meaning that Shai won’t be logging more minutes than usual. On top of that, his return brings more scoring options for OKC, considering how good the Thunder guard is when it comes to finding offensive opportunities.
If anything, Mitchell returning for the first time in over a month is a win for the Thunder. It’s not just because they are still missing many players and need a lot of personnel. But it’s more of them being able to play with a different unit alongside their stars to get even better chemistry.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images