Mara perfect 10-of-10 from the field vs. MIL

Mara did not record any defensive stats in Tuesday’s defeat, but he did manage to make all six of his field-goal attempts. The 7-foot-3 center was also solid on the glass and as a facilitator, and he’s recorded ten assists over Oklahoma City’s last two games. With Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein starting, and Jaylin Williams and 2025 first-round pick Thomas Sorber also in the mix, Mara will face significant competition for consistent rotation minutes. However, he has the size and skill set to add value, especially on nights when the Thunder face bigger frontcourts.

Midway through the second quarter, Mara drove the baseline and stopped before turning around and delivering a two-handed dunk. The 21-year-old center had 10 points and was also active on the boards with nine rebounds. Mara will likely see limited minutes as a rookie behind a crowded Thunder frontcourt, but holds significant value in dynasty formats.

Mara didn’t have an efficient offensive game, shooting 33.3 percent from the field and committing five turnovers. However, he was active on the boards and did an excellent job of blocking shots. During the first half, the Hawks appeared hesitant to attack the basket, with Mara altering a few shots he failed to block. With Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams all in the Thunder frontcourt rotation, Mara’s role is likely to be limited next season. However, he’ll be a valuable player to roster in dynasty leagues, especially as Oklahoma City’s roster gets more expensive.

Both Mara’s strengths and weaknesses were on full display in this game. He made plays on defense, passed well and finished at the rim, but for a player his size, he’s a subpar rebounder. Still, despite the lopsided score, Mara’s performance was encouraging, and he should be in the rotation down low for OKC in year one. However, his role will likely be too limited for him to be a consistent producer in fantasy basketball.

Hartenstein’s reported deal will keep him under contract with OKC through the 2028-29 season. His new contract allows the Thunder to keep their starting center and a key piece from their 2024-25 championship team. He’s coming off a season in which he averaged 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Hartenstein’s fantasy value can be tricky to gauge, as he’s missed at least 25 regular-season games in each of his two seasons in OKC. However, he’s a nightly double-double threat with playmaking ability that could be a useful piece for fantasy managers.

After two seasons at UCLA, in which he was primarily used as a reserve, Mara transferred to Michigan ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. And the decision paid immediate dividends, with the 7-foot-3 center helping lead the Wolverines to their second national title and emerging as a projected lottery pick. Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.6 blocks in 23.4 minutes, shooting 66.8 percent from the field and 56.4 percent from the foul line. While he is not going to offer much face-up scoring ability, Mara was placed in positions where he could help facilitate offense, and that should serve him well at the NBA level. With Oklahoma City needing to deal with Victor Wembanyama for the foreseeable future, adding another big man to the rotation is unsurprising. How much of an opportunity Mara gets as a rookie will depend partially on Isaiah Hartenstein’s future, as the Thunder hold a team option. Mara’s ability to block shots and facilitate offense makes him a solid asset for Oklahoma City’s frontcourt.

Williams shone in Game 7, recording his first double-double of these playoffs. Given the struggles of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein (seven points, five rebounds and one steal), JayWill’s production was one reason why the Thunder had a chance late. Williams has not been a consistent option for fantasy managers during his time in Oklahoma City, but that could change next season. Hartenstein has a team option worth $28.5 million, while new deals for Holmgren and Jalen Williams will begin. The salary cap situation could make JayWill someone whom the Thunder have to rely on more in 2026-27.

Hartenstein reached double figures for the second time this series, but his defensive efforts weren’t enough to keep Victor Wembanyama from dominating Game 4. And it doesn’t help that Chet Holmgren has been largely underwhelming, with Sunday’s defeat evening the series at two games apiece going into Tuesday’s Game 5. Hartenstein logged 17 minutes in Game 4, due partly to things getting out of hand during the latter stages of the third quarter. His playing time should crack the twenties on Tuesday if things are competitive throughout.

Williams is set to miss Game 3 after leaving Wednesday’s Game 2 after playing just seven minutes due to a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old forward suffered the initial injury in the first round series against the Suns. In Williams’ absence, Jared McCain, Isaiah Joe and Isaiah Hartenstein all saw increased roles and that should be the case again in Game 3.

Hartenstein had a much better showing on Wednesday after posting two points in 12 minutes in Game 1’s loss. He was rewarded more than double the playing time in Game 2, thanks to solid scoring production and tremendous work on the offensive glass. His contributions were impactful and led to a double-double No. 2 of the postseason. OKC will need more of the same from Hartenstein going forward.