The Oklahoma City Thunder (25-5) beat the Charlotte Hornets (7-24) for their 10th straight victory, turning in another workmanlike road win and remaining undefeated against the Eastern Conference.
OKC was missing its full prison guard shift of Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace (on top of Chet's ongoing absence), but Charlotte had a lot less firepower backing up its injured trio of Lamelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Cody Martin (on top of Tre Mann and Grant Williams' ongoing absence). Off nights for Shai (22 points, 1-6 3PA, 6 TO) and Jalen Williams (20 points on 21 shots) were balanced by strong play from rare starters Aaron Wiggins (17 points, 5 assists, 2 steals) and Ajay Mitchell (10, 4 & 5 in his first career start).