Isaiah Joe will start Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, according to reports from USA Today. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard’s inclusion in the starting lineup comes after a recent shift to a bench role.
Joe had been removed from the starting lineup prior to Saturday’s game against the Houston Rockets, a decision that appeared to serve as motivation for the fifth-year player. He subsequently produced 21 points, 5-of-11 from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range, along with three rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 29 minutes off the bench during the 112-106 loss.
Prior to that, Joe had delivered 19 points, 6-of-13 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, with three rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes during Monday’s 119-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. He also had a 21-point performance in a February 7th game against the Houston Rockets.
The 26-year-vintage Joe, drafted in the second round of the 2020 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, was traded to the Thunder in 2022. He won an NBA championship in 2025. This season, Joe is averaging 10.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
Joe’s start against the Bucks marks a return to a key role for the Thunder, who are currently competing in the Western Conference. The team has not commented on the reasoning behind the lineup change.
