On December 23, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs meet in a Western Conference showdown that feels bigger than a regular season date. It’s the second night of a back-to-back for top-seeded OKC, and both teams are juggling key injuries. The headliners, as always, are the two unicorns at center: Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama. Their status could swing the mood — and the matchup.

Thunder vs Spurs injury report: who’s in and who’s out?

The Thunder arrive at 26-3, fresh off a 119-103 win over Memphis. That win sets the stage, but the strain of a back-to-back mixes with a long list of health questions.

Thunder injury status:

• Out: Ousmane Dieng (right calf strain), Ajay Mitchell (concussion protocol), Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery), Nikola Topic (surgical recovery)
• Questionable: Aaron Wiggins (right adductor strain)
• Game-time decisions: Chet Holmgren (illness), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), Alex Caruso (finger sprain), Jaylin Williams (heel)

Spurs injury status:

• Victor Wembanyama: Questionable (left calf injury management)

One note that will calm some nerves: there’s optimism that Holmgren can suit up, but he remains a true game-time call. San Antonio, meanwhile, continues to manage Wembanyama’s left calf carefully, with his availability uncertain until closer to tip.

Chet Holmgren vs Victor Wembanyama: the new-age bigs everyone wants to see

When these teams met last, San Antonio handed OKC one of its only losses. Wembanyama put up 22 points and 9 rebounds, and Holmgren answered with 17 and 7. It was a taste of the future — and proof the rivalry is already real.

Both are long, skilled and fearless. They stretch the floor, protect the rim and handle the ball like wings. If both play, the matchup becomes the story. If one sits, the entire shape of the game changes.

“Is this the night Wemby and Chet finally go full tilt for 35 minutes?”

OKC’s back-to-back: fresh legs, fast hands, and rotation choices

Back-to-backs test depth. OKC has it, but the choices get tricky when four rotation pieces are game-time decisions. If Holmgren plays, the Thunder keep their two-way anchor intact. If he doesn’t, the rim protection and spacing change fast.

Caruso’s finger sprain and Hartenstein’s calf also matter. Caruso brings defensive control and smart cuts. Hartenstein brings size and rebounding. Jaylin Williams offers toughness and screens. The Thunder can still play fast and share the ball, but who closes the game may depend on who is available.

“If Chet sits, does OKC lean small and push pace, or trust the bench bigs to grind?”

Spurs’ surge and Wembanyama’s calf management

San Antonio enters on a six-game winning streak and sits 21-7, second in the West. That’s not just a good stretch — it’s a statement. Yet the Spurs are cautious with Wembanyama’s left calf. Keeping him fresh now could be the right move for a long season, even on a big night like this.

If Wembanyama plays, San Antonio can mirror OKC’s length at the rim and unlock the pick-and-roll lob game. If he sits, the Spurs must lean on team defense and crisp ball movement. Either way, they’ll need to handle OKC’s tempo and shot creation.

“Six straight is nice, but it’s real if you beat OKC — with or without Wemby.”

What will decide Thunder vs Spurs tonight?

Even with uncertainty, a few pressure points stand out. These are simple keys that will tell us a lot about who wins:

• Availability at center: Holmgren’s and Wembanyama’s status is the headline. If both play, it’s a chess match at the rim. If one sits, the other team has a clear edge inside.
• Back-to-back legs: Second nights are about clean possessions and smart rotations. OKC must value the ball and keep the fouls down.
• Boards and second chances: With multiple bigs banged up, rebounding becomes a hustle stat. The team that wins the glass likely controls the pace.
• Wing support: If Aaron Wiggins can go, he gives OKC a steady 3-and-D option. If not, more pressure falls on the Thunder’s guards to balance scoring and stops.
• Spurs’ ball movement: San Antonio has been sharp during its winning streak. Quick passes can pull OKC’s defense off balance, especially if the Thunder rotate new faces in.

Why this matters in the West

OKC is on top of the West. San Antonio is right behind. That alone gives this game weight. Also, the last meeting went the Spurs’ way, which should keep the Thunder focused. Add the star bigs’ status and the back-to-back wrinkle, and you’ve got a game that could feel like a playoff test in December.

We may not know the final lineup until minutes before tip. That’s fine. It makes the adjustments, the coaching calls and the role-player moments even bigger. Whether we get the full Holmgren vs Wembanyama show or a deeper look at each team’s depth, the winner will earn it.

Simple bottom line: stay ready. The health calls will set the stage, but execution will write the result.