Haynes: Kenrich Williams signs back with Thunder

After totaling 10 points in his first two starts of the season, Williams scored 11 on Saturday. He was most valuable against the Rockets in three-pointers and rebounds, but this performance doesn’t make “Kenny Hustle” a must-add heading into Oklahoma City’s four-game Week 3. Also, with the Thunder playing two games against Cleveland to start the week, it’s fair to wonder whether head coach Mark Daigneault would consider a bigger lineup to match up with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. If so, Williams or Jared McCain (10/4/2/1) could be headed to the bench.

According to MacMahon, Holmgren underwent a biological treatment on Friday to address a small patellar tendon tear in his right knee. With Jalen Williams (ankle/fibula) and Cason Wallace (shoulder) facing extended absences, and given Holmgren’s injury history, fantasy managers should expect the Thunder to be very cautious with his rehab process. Kenrich Williams should remain in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future, and Aday Mara’s playing time should increase. Also, Holmgren’s absence raises Isaiah Hartenstein’s fantasy ceiling.

Unfortunately, Holmgren sitting out Monday’s win over the Suns wasn’t solely because it was Oklahoma City’s second game in as many nights. Kenrich Williams moved into the starting lineup and played 24 minutes against Phoenix; he should fill a similar role on Wednesday.

The Thunder have three new starters for Monday’s game, and two (McCain and Mitchell) could hold onto those roles for the foreseeable future. Cason Wallace (shoulder) and Jalen Williams (ankle/fibula) could miss the rest of the season due to injuries that require surgery. “Kenny Hustle” starts for Chet Holmgren, who is dealing with right patellar tendinitis.

Due to back spasms, Holmgren will sit out the second game of Oklahoma City’s road back-to-back. Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams take on added importance within the Thunder rotation, likely as starters. Due to the lack of depth, both are worth a roll of the dice in deep leagues.

Holmgren played through back spasms on Tuesday, but he is expected to miss the second leg of this back-to-back. Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) has already been ruled out, which means Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams should both see a bump in minutes and have a chance to start.

Holmgren was initially questionable with back spasms. He’ll take on his usual role within the starting lineup, with Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams picking up additional minutes if Holmgren’s back flares up.

With Isaiah Hartenstein (injury management) and Jalen Williams (hamstring) ruled out, Isaiah Joe and Kenrich Williams will slide into the starting lineup Thursday against the Bucks. Joe has averaged 17 points, 3.6 three-pointers and shot 54.5 percent from the field over his last five games.

Holmgren was one of many key contributors who missed Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, which was Oklahoma City’s second game in as many nights. His return means that Kenrich Williams will head to the bench, where he’s nowhere near as effective in fantasy basketball.

Williams recorded his second 20-point game, with the 25 being the most he’s scored in a game this season. Add in the rebounds, and “Kenny Hustle” had a good night in San Antonio. His fantasy value moving forward depends on the availability of the Thunder frontcourt starters, but he’ll be worth streaming when Oklahoma City is as shorthanded as it was on Thursday.