PHOENIX, Ariz. –

The Oklahoma City Thunder wrap up the final road game before the All-Star break on Wednesday night in Phoenix, facing a Suns team that just snapped a three-game home losing streak with a 31-point win over Dallas. OKC will return home Thursday to face the Bucks.

It’s the fourth meeting between the Thunder and Phoenix Suns this season, with Oklahoma City holding a 2-1 edge, including a 138-89 NBA Cup quarterfinal rout on Dec. 10, the worst loss in Suns franchise history.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out.

Jalen Williams regains form at right time

Williams returned Monday in a 119-110 road win over the Lakers, scoring 23 points, 15 in the second half, after missing 10 games with a hamstring strain.

He helped Oklahoma City close the door defensively in the fourth quarter.

“I think we did a really good job down the stretch of making them work and eating up clock,” Williams said. “Our biggest thing is stacking possessions over the course of the game, and we were able to do that into the fourth.”With Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined by an abdominal strain, Williams understands the opportunity in front of him.

“Honestly, with Shai not out there, I probably get some of those calls now,” Williams said of his ability to draw fouls. “But it’s really about being aggressive and getting to my spots. I’m trying to play through contact and actually score.”Williams also admitted the Thunder’s success without him earlier this season has helped ease pressure.

“It’s fun to see them play well when I’m not out there. That gives me confidence to come in without feeling like everything is on me. Just being around this group is a blessing.”

Oklahoma City is 11-8 since its Jan. 4 loss to Phoenix and 23-6 in games Williams has missed this season.

Defensive identity still leading the way

The Thunder held the Lakers to 19 fourth-quarter points Monday, their first win without the reigning MVP in the lineup.

Williams summed up the team’s identity simply:

“Offense is always more fun, but defense is more necessary. Our offense is a product of our defense a lot of times. When we’re getting stops, offense comes a lot easier.”

That defensive presence will be key again in Phoenix, especially against a Suns team that is 18-9 at home and has gone 12-8 since its Jan. 4 win over OKC.

In the last meeting, Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren combined for 19 rebounds, a significant factor against Phoenix’s smaller frontcourt lineups.

Injury report

Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — Out (abdominal strain)Ajay Mitchell — Out (abdominal strain)

Suns

Devin Booker — Questionable (right ankle management)Jalen Green — Questionable (right hamstring management)Isaiah Livers — Out (left shoulder sprain)

Season series snapshot

OKC leads 2-1Fifth meeting scheduled due to NBA Cup matchupThunder won the most recent game 119-110 (vs. Lakers Monday)Suns coming off 120-111 win over Dallas

How to watch Thunder vs. Suns

TV Channel: FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma
Start Time: 8 p.m. CT
Location: Footprint Center — Phoenix