The NBA calendar gives us a gem in Minneapolis tonight: the Oklahoma City Thunder, riding a scorching 25–2 start, roll into Target Center to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. The story, though, begins on the injury line. Minnesota’s superstar Anthony Edwards is listed as Questionable with right foot injury maintenance, while veteran guard Mike Conley is Out with right Achilles tendinopathy. And as of the early afternoon official updates, Oklahoma City had not yet submitted its injury report, adding another layer of late-day suspense.

Injury report snapshot: Edwards Q, Conley Out; Thunder TBD

Official league injury updates at 12:30 PM ET and 1:30 PM ET on December 19 show clear clouds over the Wolves’ backcourt. Edwards is Questionable. Conley is Out. Minnesota also lists bench contributors on G League assignment, including Joan Beringer, trimming coach options if this game becomes a depth battle.

For Oklahoma City, there’s a blank space for now. The Thunder injury report was not yet submitted at the time of those reports. That means we could still see late changes about availability closer to tip-off.

There was early chatter linking questions around Isaiah Hartenstein, but he does not appear on the official reports provided for this game window. That is a key distinction between rumor and the current, formal listings.

“If Edwards sits, who guards SGA for 35 minutes?”

Why Anthony Edwards’ status matters

Edwards is the face of the team. He sets the tone at both ends with scoring, power drives, and force on defense. When he plays, the Wolves can match elite shot creation with elite shot creation. When he sits, the offensive ceiling changes. Ball-handling spreads to others, and the best wing defender is off the floor for key stretches.

If Edwards plays, watch how the Wolves manage his minutes and which matchups he draws. Does he spend time on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 30.5 points per game, or does he save energy for late offense? The choice will shape the flow of the night.

Mike Conley’s Achilles absence changes the Wolves’ shape

Conley is the veteran stabilizer. He organizes the half-court, hits open threes, and directs pick-and-rolls with bigs like Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. Without him, Minnesota will lean more on other handlers and creators to guide the offense and get into sets.

Donte DiVincenzo can help with ball pressure and spacing. Jaden McDaniels can bring size on the wing. Julius Randle offers scoring and passing from the frontcourt. But Conley’s calm in late-clock moments is hard to copy, and the Wolves will miss his timing with Gobert in the two-man game.

“No Conley means more Randle touches. Boom or bust?”

OKC’s 25–2 machine: SGA, Jalen Williams, Chet and the chaos creators

The Thunder are flying. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing like an MVP candidate, averaging 30.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 made threes per game. His pace control is special. He gets to his spots. He finishes.

Jalen Williams adds balance with 18.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and a huge 3.0 steals per game. That theft rate shows how active OKC’s wings are in the passing lanes. Chet Holmgren stretches the floor at center, posting 19.5 points, 7.0 boards, and 2.0 made threes per game, while protecting the rim with length.

Two role players to watch: Ajay Mitchell (12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists) brings pop and feel, and Alex Caruso (7.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.5 steals) brings elite defense and winning plays. If Caruso checks DiVincenzo or hounds ball-handlers, turnovers can snowball fast.

Wolves’ supporting cast must step forward

With Edwards in limbo and Conley out, Minnesota’s depth and star help will be the story. The numbers show a strong supporting group:

• Donte DiVincenzo: 18.5 PTS, 8.5 REB, 5.0 AST, 3.5 STL, 1.5 BLK, 3.5 3PM
• Julius Randle: 22.5 PTS, 7.5 REB, 3.0 AST, 3.0 STL, 1.5 3PM
• Rudy Gobert: 11.5 PTS, 14.0 REB, 3.5 AST, 2.5 BLK
• Naz Reid: 18.0 PTS, 9.0 REB, 2.5 AST, 1.0 BLK, 3.5 3PM
• Jaden McDaniels: 17.0 PTS, 5.5 REB, 4.0 AST

Randle’s frontcourt creation can ease the load without Conley. DiVincenzo’s shooting and defensive playmaking will be key to keeping pace with OKC’s guards. Gobert should control the glass, but the battle with Holmgren’s spacing will be tricky. If Gobert must leave the paint, OKC drivers will test rotations.

“Can Gobert guard the rim and chase Chet at the three-point line?”

Key matchups and swing factors

SGA vs. the Wolves’ point-of-attack: If Edwards plays, expect stretches on SGA. If he doesn’t, DiVincenzo and McDaniels will have to tag-team. Keep an eye on foul trouble; OKC lives at the line when downhill lanes open.

Holmgren vs. Gobert/Naz: Chet’s pick-and-pop can pull Gobert out. If Naz Reid takes those minutes, his ability to switch and stretch the floor back the other way can keep the balance.

Turnovers: Jalen Williams and Caruso pile up steals. Live-ball turnovers turn into easy OKC points. Minnesota must value the ball, especially without Conley’s steady hand.

Bench impact: With G League assignments trimming depth, Minnesota needs clean, mistake-free minutes from the second unit. OKC’s bench has two-way punch; a short Wolves rotation could feel that late.

What to monitor before tip

Tip is scheduled for 9:30 ET / 7:00 PM local in Minneapolis (OKC at MIN). Given the Questionable tag for Edwards and the blank Thunder report earlier today, it’s smart to check for updates 60–90 minutes before tip. Late status moves can shift matchups and betting lines fast.

If Edwards is cleared, watch for any minutes cap and whether he spends time on SGA. If he’s out, expect the ball to find Randle more, with DiVincenzo and McDaniels absorbing extra creation. For OKC, any surprise scratches would change rotation rhythm, but as it stands, their core has been rolling.

Bottom line

This matchup offers a simple test: can the Wolves withstand OKC’s speed and shot-making without Conley, and possibly without Edwards? If the superstar plays, Minnesota’s ceiling rises. If he sits, the path gets steeper against a 25–2 Thunder group that hunts turnovers, runs in space, and lets Shai close.

Either way, we’ll learn something about both teams. For the Wolves, it’s about resilience and role clarity. For OKC, it’s about keeping the foot down on the road and protecting a blistering start. Keep your alerts on. The injury wire may decide the night.