DETROIT — Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe was forced to make an early exit during Wednesday night’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons after sustaining a bruised left glute. The team confirmed the injury shortly after halftime, ruling him out for the remainder of the contest on February 25, 2026.
The injury comes at a frustrating time for the sharpshooter, who had been playing some of the most efficient basketball of his career. Joe entered Wednesday’s game following a spectacular performance against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, where he erupted for 19 of his 22 points in the third quarter alone to lead OKC to a 116-107 victory. Before exiting tonight’s game, Joe struggled to find his rhythm, recording just three points while clearly hampered by the contusion.
Impact on the Thunder Rotation
The loss of Joe further thins an Oklahoma City roster already grappling with significant health issues. While stars Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso were recently cleared to play, the Thunder have been leaning heavily on their depth. With Joe sidelined, the offensive burden is expected to shift toward Cason Wallace, who has been on a tear recently, including a 27-point performance earlier this week.
Head coach Mark Daigneault and teammates have recently praised Joe for expanding his game beyond his “elite shooter” reputation. “There’s much more to his game than just hitting shots,” Daigneault noted earlier this week, highlighting Joe’s improved movement and defensive positioning.
A Career-Best Season
Despite the setback, the 2025-2026 campaign has been a “career-saving” year for the 6-foot-5 guard. Over his last 20 games, Joe has shot a blistering 44% from beyond the arc, cementing his status as one of the NBA’s premier floor spacers. His ability to hit deep threes on the move has been a vital component of the Thunder’s 45-14 record, placing them at the top of the Western Conference standings.
Fantasy managers and Thunder fans will be monitoring the injury report closely as the team prepares for the final stretch of the regular season. A “left glute contusion” is typically a day-to-day injury, but with the playoffs approaching, the Thunder medical staff may opt for caution to ensure their best shooter is at 100% for the postseason.
The Thunder are scheduled to provide a further update on Joe’s status before their next game. For now, the team will look to their “next man up” philosophy to maintain their narrow lead in the West.