Cason Wallace dishes out six assists vs. Milwaukee

Not only will all three take on larger roles with Luguentz Dort now in Atlanta, but Presti is expecting genuine jumps in their production. All 3 players had strong stretches for OKC last season, and they’ll be relied on once again to help the Thunder get back on track after losing in the Western Conference Finals last season. Wallace seems like the most likely choice to start, but Mitchell and McCain will play big minutes off the bench.

Oklahoma City’s season came to an end on Saturday, as they dropped Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals to the Spurs. And with that, the front office has decisions to make regarding the futures of Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams. Each has a team option for next season, with Dort’s being worth a little over $17.7 million. The defensive stalwart hopes to remain with the lone team that he’s played for since entering the NBA in 2019. “The conversation hasn’t happened yet,” Dort said when asked about his team option. “I have a lot of trust in this organization, in Sam (Presti). Really grateful for all the stuff he did for me to this point. I want to stay here. This organization, this city, shaped me as a player. My main goal is to stay here.” Dort has not been a consistently impactful option for fantasy managers in recent seasons. Still, his future in Oklahoma City could affect the ceilings of Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain. If the Thunder were to move on from Dort, there would be an opening in the starting lineup to fill.

Making his second start of the Western Conference Finals, Wallace stepped up with his best performance of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Thunder guard shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc and recorded a complete stat line. On a night when three other starters failed to score in double figures, Wallace was one of Oklahoma City’s most capable options in Game 7. Due to the team’s depth, his fantasy ceiling has been somewhat limited, but Wallace has been a solid option in category leagues. He’ll be extension eligible this summer, and a larger role could be in the cards for 2026-27, especially considering Luguentz Dort’s struggles.

After calling on Jared McCain to serve as the fifth starter in Games 5 and 6, the Thunder turn to Wallace to fill the void left by Jalen Williams (hamstring). The third-year guard started Game 4, logging 21 minutes and finishing with five points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one three-pointer. Wallace will look to offer greater production on Saturday, with the winner headed to the NBA Finals. Despite moving to the bench, McCain will still figure prominently in the Thunder rotation.

Williams’ third straight absence puts the Thunder in a tougher spot, as they’ll also be without Ajay Mitchell (calf). Williams hasn’t played since Game 2 of the series, logging just seven first-quarter minutes before being ruled out the rest of the way. His presence will be missed, placing extra importance on players such as Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Joe to fill the void in production for a Thunder team looking to protect homecourt and take a 3-2 series lead.

McCain will start for the first time during this Western Conference Finals matchup, as the Thunder look to bounce back from a blowout loss in Game 4. He will replace Cason Wallace in the opening unit, who had served as a replacement starter for the still-injured Jalen Williams (hamstring). McCain’s scoring production has fluctuated throughout the series, but he offers high-scoring potential.

Mitchell moved into the starting lineup for Game 3 of the series with Jalen Williams (hamstring) sidelined. He suffered a right calf strain and was ruled out for Game 4 and Game 5. Cason Wallace started Game 4 and might have to start Game 5 too with Williams listed as questionable.

With Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (calf) unavailable, the Thunder turned to Wallace to fill the resulting void in the starting lineup. He struggled with his shot in Game 4, but the third-year guard wasn’t the only one who failed to show up. Jared McCain (four points, two rebounds) shot 1-of-10 from the field and Alex Caruso (two rebounds, one assist and two blocks) missed his lone shot attempt. Regardless of what happens with J-Dub and Mitchell for Tuesday’s Game 5, the Thunder need more from Wallace, McCain and Caruso if they’re to defend home court.

The Thunder are without Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (calf) for Game 4, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Wallace, who performed well as a spot starter last season, will fill the void. Also, expect to see more of Jared McCain and Alex Caruso, who have both played well in the conference finals.

While his final stat line in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals was not notable, Wallace’s playing time was. The third-year guard logged 28 minutes in the double-overtime thriller and replaced Isaiah Hartenstein in the lineup to begin the third quarter. Hartenstein was limited to 12 minutes on Monday, finishing with two points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks. The playing time is something to keep an eye on for Game 2, especially if the Spurs have De’Aaron Fox after a right ankle injury sidelined him for Game 1.