The Oklahoma City Thunder (35-8) face the Cleveland Cavaliers (24-19) in a cross-conference showdown on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Thunder, atop the Western Conference and boasting the NBA’s best record, are coming off a rare loss but remain dominant with elite defense (league-low 108.0 points allowed per game) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber play. The Cavaliers, sixth in the East, have won four of their last six and excel at home (14-10), led by Donovan Mitchell’s scoring prowess. Injuries loom large for both sides, potentially turning this into a gritty battle at Rocket Arena, where Cleveland’s rebounding edge could counter OKC’s efficiency.
Venue Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio. This 19,432-seat venue, home to the Cavaliers since 1994, is renowned for its electric atmosphere during national TV games and features modern upgrades for fan engagement.
Tipoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT, 1:30 p.m. local time in Cleveland). The game airs on NBC and Peacock nationally, with local broadcasts on Bally Sports Ohio (Cavaliers) and Bally Sports Oklahoma (Thunder). Radio options include WTAM 1100 AM (Cavaliers) and WWLS 98.1 FM (Thunder).
Recent Team Forms
The Thunder have been unstoppable, going 8-2 in their last 10 with a +12.5 point differential, outscoring opponents by emphasizing pace and perimeter defense. The Cavaliers are 6-4 in their last 10, showing resilience with a +4.2 differential, fueled by home wins and Mitchell’s hot streak.
Here’s a breakdown of each team’s last 10 games:
| Date | Opponent | Result (Thunder) | Score |
| Jan 17 | at Miami Heat | L | 120-122 |
| Jan 15 | at Houston Rockets | W | 111-91 |
| Jan 13 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W | 119-98 |
| Jan 10 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W | 125-110 |
| Jan 8 | at Minnesota Timberwolves | W | 118-105 |
| Jan 6 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W | 124-112 |
| Jan 5 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L | 97-124 |
| Jan 4 | at Phoenix Suns | L | 105-108 |
| Jan 2 | at Golden State Warriors | W | 131-94 |
| Dec 31 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W | 124-95 |
Overall: 8-2 in last 10 (+125 point differential).
| Date | Opponent | Result (Cavaliers) | Score |
| Jan 16 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W | 117-115 |
| Jan 14 | at Toronto Raptors | W | 120-110 |
| Jan 12 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W | 122-110 |
| Jan 10 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W | 146-134 |
| Jan 8 | at Minnesota Timberwolves | L | 122-131 |
| Jan 6 | at Indiana Pacers | W | 120-116 |
| Jan 4 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L | 110-114 |
| Jan 2 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W | 113-108 |
| Dec 31 | at Washington Wizards | W | 130-125 |
| Dec 29 | at Chicago Bulls | L | 118-124 |
Overall: 7-3 in last 10 (+62 point differential).
Injury Report
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Jalen Williams (F): Out (right hamstring strain) – Sustained in Jan. 17 loss; key absence (18.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG).
Isaiah Hartenstein (C): Day-to-day (calf/soleus strain) – Questionable; impacts rebounding (9.8 RPG).
Thomas Sorber (G): Out for season (knee/ACL).
Nikola Topic (G): Out (groin/surgical recovery).
Brooks Barnhizer (G): Doubtful (G League assignment).
OKC’s depth is tested without Williams’ scoring and Hartenstein’s interior presence, leaning on Chet Holmgren and reserves.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Darius Garland (G): Out/day-to-day (toe/foot) – Major blow to playmaking (20.5 PPG, 6.8 APG).
Sam Merrill (G): Out/day-to-day (hand) – Sharpshooter sidelined (40% from three).
Dean Wade (F): Probable/game-time decision (knee) – Likely plays limited role.
Max Strus (G/F): Out (foot) – Hurts spacing (12.0 PPG).
Chris Livingston (F): Out (G League/knee).
Luke Travers (F): Out (G League).
Cleveland’s backcourt is thinned, forcing more from Mitchell and bench guards.
Key
Player Matchups
This marquee matchup highlights superstar guards and frontcourt battles, with injuries shifting dynamics.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC G) vs. Donovan Mitchell (CLE G): SGA (31.8 PPG, 6.5 APG) leads the NBA in drives; Mitchell (29.2 PPG, 5.7 APG) counters with explosive scoring. Expect a high-scoring duel.
Chet Holmgren (OKC F/C) vs. Evan Mobley (CLE F): Holmgren (16.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.8 BPG) brings rim protection; Mobley (15.2 PPG, 10.5 RPG) dominates boards.
Luguentz Dort (OKC G) vs. Jarrett Allen (CLE C): Dort’s defense targets Mitchell; Allen (14.0 PPG, 11.2 RPG) exploits mismatches inside without Hartenstein.
Aaron Wiggins (OKC G) vs. Lonzo Ball (CLE G): Wiggins steps up sans Williams; Ball provides playmaking if Garland sits.
Other keys: OKC’s top-ranked defense vs. Cleveland’s home offense (120+ in recent wins). Power play efficiency could decide if fouls mount.
Series History
The Thunder lead the all-time series 72-53 (including Seattle era). OKC has won 7 of the last 10 meetings, including a 134-114 home victory on Jan. 16, 2025. Cleveland holds a 36-28 edge at home, but the Thunder are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 visits. Overs have hit in 4 of the last 6 games, averaging 232.5 points.
Betting Trends
Spread: Thunder 7-3 ATS in last 10; Cavaliers 3-2 ATS in last 5 home games.
Over/Under: Over is 4-1 in Thunder’s last 5 road games; under is 5-1 in Cavaliers’ last 6 overall.
Other Trends: Thunder 15-5 SU on road; Cavaliers 14-10 SU at home. Series unders in 6 of last 9, but recent matchups trend over (4 of 6).
Game Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder – 6.5
Cleveland Cavaliers 234.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 18, 2026
