Why Cason Wallace isn't playing vs. Pacers and what it means for Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are aiming to improve to 2-0 against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, though they'll be without several key contributors in the NBA Finals rematch. 

Cason Wallace is dealing with a sprained left knee after logging 42 minutes in Tuesday’s season-opening double-overtime win over the Houston Rockets. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wallace started his third season off strong, posting 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals while shooting 50 percent from the field Tuesday. 

However, Wallace is now set to join Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Nikola Topic, Kenrich Williams and Thomas Sorber on the sideline, according to the NBA's official injury report. With so many injuries, the Thunder may have to dig deep into their rotation on the road against Indiana. 

MORE: Thunder receive positive injury update on Lu Dort for Thursday's game vs. Pacers

Thunder's potential starting five without Cason Wallace 

With Williams sidelined in Tuesday's regular-season opener, Wallace got the starting nod. However, Oklahoma City will now have to replace the 21-year-old guard in the starting five. 

The Thunder have just 11 players available for Tuesday's contest, including three players on two-way contracts. Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein are all expected to start against Indiana, while Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell are both candidates for increased roles. 

Mitchell is more of a point guard than a shooting guard, meaning the Thunder may look to save him for minutes when Gilgeous-Alexander isn't on the floor. Regardless, the team will still have some solid depth against a Tyrese Haliburton-less Pacers squad. 

As for Wallace, he'll look to get back on the court for Saturday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. 

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