The hottest team in the NBA meets the Western Conference leaders Sunday when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.

Cleveland enters on a seven-game winning streak and winners of 12 of its last 13, after a 118-113 victory in Charlotte on Friday. The Cavaliers have not lost since acquiring James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City continues to adjust without key stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain), Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) and sixth man Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain). Even with the absences, the Thunder have won three of their last four games.

Thunder finding answers without stars

Head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the offensive approach has required creativity while the roster is short-handed.

“We’re obviously missing some on-ball creators, so the way we’re trying to create advantages is different right now,” Daigneault said. “But once we create the advantage and once we get the ball ahead, those plays aren’t any different.”Oklahoma City leaned on that formula in Friday’s 105-86 win over Brooklyn, where the Thunder “manufactured a win,” as Daigneault described it.

“The offense was a little choppy early… and that’s why you need to have defense,” Daigneault said. “That’s what you want to look like on the nights that you’re a little bit ugly offensively.”The Thunder also continue to evaluate new pieces during this stretch. Rookie point guard Nikola Topic has provided an early spark.

“He’s got really good sense for the game. He goes in there and acts like he belongs,” Daigneault said. “It’s pretty impressive for a guy that’s two games into his career to have the confidence to do that.”

McCain settling into OKC role

Recent acquisition Jared McCain is quickly carving out a role after scoring a season-high 21 points against the Nets.

McCain said the Thunder’s ball movement has been key as the team adjusts.

“We all have a role to play, and we all kind of know it,” McCain said. “Good stuff is going to happen once we get the ball moving… it’s tough without those guys in, so we’re figuring it out.”The rookie also noted how comfortable he already feels in Oklahoma City.

“I’m very comfortable with everybody now… I’m just super thankful to be in this organization,” McCain said. “When I’m surrounded by good energy, it comes right back to me.”Daigneault added the current circumstances are giving the Thunder valuable evaluation time.

“It is giving us a window to take a look at those guys in those roles,” Daigneault said. “We’re trying to take advantage of that.”

Cleveland rolling behind depth

While Harden’s arrival has boosted Cleveland, head coach Kenny Atkinson credited the Cavaliers’ bench for changing games.

“The second unit is our energy unit,” Atkinson said. “All of a sudden it just changes the whole speed of the game… it’s nice to have that change of pace.”The matchup also features an intriguing defensive storyline: Lu Dort has historically limited Donovan Mitchell, who is shooting just 11-for-49 in his last three games against Oklahoma City.

Tough stretch begins for OKC

Sunday’s game opens a demanding run for the Thunder, who will play 10 of their next 12 games against teams currently in the top eight of their respective conferences.

Oklahoma City dominated the first meeting, beating Cleveland by 32 points on Jan. 19 but the Cavaliers have been one of the league’s hottest teams since.

How to Watch

Date: SundayTime: 12 p.m. Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma CityTV: ABC