The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns meet on December 10, and the game already has a twist before tip-off. Both teams enter with key injuries that will shape the rotations, the play calls, and likely the scoreboard. The big headline: Suns star Devin Booker is listed as questionable with a right groin strain. On the other side, the Thunder will be without two trusted pieces in Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe, both ruled out until at least December 17. Layer in season-ending absences for two young Thunder players, and this matchup becomes a test of depth and discipline.

Thunder injury report: Depth takes a hit in the middle and on the wing

Oklahoma City’s update is blunt. Isaiah Hartenstein (right hip strain) and Isaiah Joe (right soleus strain) remain out and won’t be back until at least December 17. That’s a meaningful blow in two different areas. Hartenstein’s size and positioning help on the glass and around the rim. Joe’s quick trigger and movement add spacing and pace to the second unit. Losing both at once forces OKC to absorb minutes in creative ways.

There’s also the long game. Thomas Sorber is out for the season as he recovers from a left knee contusion and torn ACL. Nikola Topic is also out for the season as he continues recovery from surgery related to testicular cancer, a diagnosis that Thunder GM Sam Presti publicly shared. Their health comes first, and the organization has made that clear.

“OKC’s spacing takes a hit without Joe—who soaks up those minutes?”

Practically, this means the Thunder must lean on different looks. Expect more responsibility to fall on versatile wings and backup bigs to protect the paint, set sturdy screens, and keep the ball moving. Without Joe, someone has to step up as a catch-and-shoot threat to keep the floor open. Without Hartenstein, boxing out and rim protection become group chores, not single assignments.

Suns injury update: Booker’s status could swing the night

For Phoenix, Devin Booker is the swing factor. He’s listed as questionable due to a right groin strain. Booker’s scoring and shot creation are core parts of the Suns’ attack. If he can’t go, it alters their spacing and late-game options. Even if he plays, the team may manage his minutes and ask others to carry more of the load.

The Suns will also be without Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and Isaiah Livers (right hip strain). That shortens the wing and guard rotation and places pressure on role players to defend, cut, and hit open shots. The margin for error tightens without multiple ball handlers and shooters available.

“If Booker sits, who creates the crunch-time shots for Phoenix?”

The Suns can still score in bursts, but they’ll need clean execution. That means sharp picks, strong drive-and-kick sequences, and no wasted possessions. It also means keeping turnovers low against a Thunder team that likes to play in rhythm and punish mistakes.

Matchup pressure points: Boards, spacing, and composure

This game may be decided in three simple areas. First, rebounding. With Hartenstein out, the Thunder must rebound as a unit. Phoenix will try to steal extra shots with energy on the glass. Second, spacing. Without Joe, OKC will need steady shooting from the corners and above the break to keep lanes open. The Suns, without Green and possibly Booker, must find shooters who can keep defenses honest.

Third, composure late. If Booker plays limited minutes or sits, Phoenix’s late-game shot diet may change. If OKC’s rotation gets tight, legs might get heavy in the fourth. The team that keeps calm on key possessions should own the final two minutes.

“This one might be won on the glass with Hartenstein sidelined.”

Timelines and what’s next

The Thunder’s timelines are clear: Hartenstein and Joe are out until at least December 17. Both have been sidelined since early December, and OKC has adjusted game to game. Expect more of the same for at least another week. For the Suns, the day-to-day nature of Booker’s groin strain means decisions could come close to tip. If he plays, watch for minute management. If he sits, Phoenix will need balanced scoring and a strong defensive mindset.

The human element: Support for Nikola Topic

Beyond the box score, there’s a story of strength. Thunder GM Sam Presti publicly announced Nikola Topic’s testicular cancer diagnosis and surgical recovery. Topic is out for the season, and the focus is rightfully on his health and well-being. The team’s support matters, and nights like this remind us that basketball is important, but people are more important.

What to watch tonight

• Booker’s status: warm-up activity, minute load, and late-game usage if he plays.
• OKC’s rotation tweaks: who fills Hartenstein’s and Joe’s roles in crunch time.
• Rebounding battle: can the Thunder limit second-chance points?
• Shotmaking by role players: which side finds a surprise scorer?
• Foul trouble: thin rotations can’t afford early whistles.

Bottom line

Injuries shape stories, and this one is no different. The Thunder enter short-handed but steady, looking to defend, rebound, and move the ball with purpose. The Suns carry a huge question mark with Booker. If he plays, Phoenix has a trusted closer. If he doesn’t, the Suns will need a collective effort to create clean shots late.

Either way, this game will ask both teams to do the little things well. Secure the boards. Make the extra pass. Stay disciplined. The winner will be the team that adapts fastest—and keeps its cool when the game gets tight.

Notes: Injury details are drawn from the NBA Official Injury Reports dated Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, 2025, plus updates from ESPN and CBS Sports, and Sam Presti’s public announcement regarding Nikola Topic.