Why Lu Dort isn't playing tonight vs. Trail Blazers, latest injury update

The Oklahoma City Thunder are aiming to improve to 9-0 in Wednesday's contest against the Portland Trail Blazers at 10:00 p.m. ET, but they'll be without one of their best defenders in the matchup. 

The Thunder set a franchise record in Tuesday's 126-107 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, starting the regular season 8-0 for the first time in franchise history. However, with Wednesday's game coming in the second half of a back-to-back set, reaching 9-0 won't be easy. Additionally, the defending champions will have to do so without several key contributors. 

One of those impact players is Luguentz Dort, who has been ruled out for Wednesday's game due to a right upper trapezius strain, according to the NBA's official injury report. He'll be joined by Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, Nikola Topic, Kenrich Williams and Thomas Sorber on the sidelines. As for Portland, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley will remain out. 

MORE: Why Chet Holmgren isn't playing vs. Trail Blazers and what it means for Thunder

Latest update on Lu Dort's injury

Dort sustained the injury in the third quarter of Tuesday's victory and was unable to finish the game. The team initially diagnosed the 26-year-old swingman with a right shoulder contusion, though the injury is now being called an upper trap strain. 

With Dort joining a plethora of players on the sidelines, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins are candidates to see increased minutes. 

As for Dort, his next opportunity to suit up will come in Friday's NBA Cup group stage game against the Sacramento Kings. His status will be worth monitoring, and the Thunder are expected to provide an update by Thursday night. 

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