Counting Cameron Payne, the Thunder had six players ruled out for Thursday's 110-94 preseason loss to Memphis.
While many of the moves were precautionary, like sitting Enes Kanter and Andre Roberson out due to knee soreness, missing so many players while trying to develop continuity has its effects.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan said he wanted a chance to play Kanter and Steven Adams together more, as well as Adams and Domantas Sabonis. But Kanter was rested because of heavy minutes through the first three preseason games, and Adams reaggravated his sprained right ankle on Wednesday.