Ajay Mitchell cleared, helps Thunder win double‑OT opener vs Rockets

When Ajay Mitchell, guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder was finally removed from the NBA injury report on Tuesday, fans breathed a sigh of relief. The update came just hours before the Thunder’s season‑opening clash against the Houston Rockets at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Despite the clearance, coaches hinted Mitchell would see limited minutes, but the guard proved he could still make noise, finishing with 16 points, including a clutch four‑point play that kept the game alive.

Season‑Opening Injury Update

On Monday, October 20, 2025, at 9:17 p.m. EDT, Nicholas Rodriguez, Thunder correspondent for FantasyPros, confirmed Mitchell’s removal from the official NBA injury list. The ankle woes that plagued him throughout the preseason finally faded, allowing both Mitchell and fellow guard Alex Caruso to be listed as cleared. The Thunder’s original report, released at 5:30 p.m. CT, showed a long‑list of out‑players: Jalen Williams, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, Nikola Tić, and rookie center Thomas Sorber. By Tuesday afternoon, the updated list still showed the same out‑players, but Mitchell’s name was nowhere to be found.

Game Recap: Thunder Edge Rockets in Double Overtime

The opening night showdown tipped off at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Thunder, defending NBA champions after a 2025 Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers, faced a determined Rockets squad that was already missing its lead guard Fred VanVleet due to an ACL tear. The first half saw the Rockets trail by a single point when Mitchell drove to the basket, drew a foul, and sank a four‑point play with just one second left. That moment set the tone for a back‑and‑forth battle that ultimately required two overtime periods.

In the final minute of the second overtime, the Rockets led 124‑123. A hard foul on Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander forced him to the line, where he calmly sank both free throws for the deciding points. Chet Holmgren contributed a game‑high 28 points and seven rebounds, while Rockets forward Alperen Şengün logged a career‑high 39 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, including a five‑three‑pointer night.

The final score: Thunder 125, Rockets 124. Mitchell’s 16 points and that late first‑half four‑point play earned praise from fans and analysts alike, especially given the lingering question about his role in the rotation.

Coach Daigneault’s Rotation Dilemma

Head coach Mark Daigneault faced a puzzle on opening night. With Jalen Williams still out after wrist surgery performed July 1, 2025, Daigneault had to shuffle minutes among a deep bench. "We’re still evaluating how much we can trust Ajay in the early stretch," Daigneault told reporters after the game. While Mitchell’s performance suggested he could earn more trust, the coach emphasized that the team’s priority was protecting long‑term health, especially for veterans returning from surgery.

Other notable absentees included Isaiah Joe and Kenrich Williams, both listed as OUT due to lingering injuries, and rookie Nikola Tić, who missed the game after a minor ankle strain. The roster flexibility forced Daigneault to lean heavily on Gilgeous‑Alexander, who logged 34 minutes, and Holmgren, who saw 36. The coach’s comments hint that we might see Mitchell’s minutes gradually increase if he stays healthy, but he likely won’t crack the starting five until later in the season.

Impact on Fantasy Basketball and Season Outlook

For fantasy owners, the news was a mixed bag. RotoWire’s staff had already flagged Mitchell as a negligible part of the Thunder rotation, so his absence from the injury report didn’t shift most lineups. However, his 16‑point debut could create a small surge in ownership for the next few weeks, especially among deeper leagues. Meanwhile, the continued sidelining of Jalen Williams removes a potential high‑upside forward from most rosters.

Statistically, the Thunder posted a 122‑point average in the preseason, but the double‑OT win shows they can grind out victories when needed. The Rockets, despite losing VanVleet for the season, proved they have offensive firepower, largely thanks to Şengün’s 39‑point outburst.

• Mitchell: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
• Holmgren: 28 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
• Şengün: 39 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists
• Williams (out): recovering from right wrist surgery
• VanVleet (out): ACL tear, season‑ending

Overall, the Thunder’s depth will be tested early, but the championship mindset should keep them competitive even with a handful of key players on the sidelines.

Looking Ahead: Next Matchup and Injuries

The Thunder’s next game is a road trip to Indiana on Thursday, October 23, 2025, a rematch of the 2025 NBA Finals. The schedule offers a quick turnaround, meaning the medical staff will have to decide whether to keep Mitchell in a limited role or give him more minutes to preserve the health of other guards.

Both teams will also have to navigate additional injury reports. The Rockets are already missing forward Dorian Finney‑Smith, while the Thunder will monitor the recovery progress of Jalen Williams, who is expected to return sometime in late November.

Fans can expect the Thunder to continue leaning on their star duo of Gilgeous‑Alexander and Holmgren while cautiously integrating players like Mitchell into the rotation. If the guard can stay healthy, his early spark may become a valuable asset in close games.