The two, in their own respective rights, were to birth the versatility of dreams. Twelve games in and without any traditional center or even Caruso — an unexpected understudy for the big-man group — the Thunder doesn’t have an option: shrink to the occasion or drown for the next several weeks.

Three-time Defensive Player of the Year and NBA Champion center pitches himself as potential big man to join OKC Thunder.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to an excellent start to the season. They are 10-2 in their first 12 games, which has them as the first seed in the Western Conference However, the team recently lost star center Chet Holmgren due to an injury that will keep him out for at least two months.

Predictions, picks and odds as the OKC Thunder hosts the Phoenix Suns on Friday night at Paycom Center. Plus, injury updates and news.

Beal sat out Wednesday's loss at Sacramento with a left calf contusion after he experienced tightness in Tuesday's win at Utah. He's now listed with a left calf strain.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

For the game, the Suns will be without one of their best players, as Bradley Beal has been ruled out. The former Florida star also missed the team's last game, so this will be his second straight out of the lineup.