Ajay Mitchell (ankle) upgraded to available Weds.

Mitchell topped 20 points for the fifth time in the last six games, delivering his second 30-point effort of the season, as he continues to see an exponentially larger role than originally anticipated for the injury-depleted Thunder, who are currently without Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren. The 24-year-old knocked down 9-of-11, including 3-of-3 from long range, to pour in a game-high 21 first-half points. The Grizzlies had zero answers for the Thunder backcourt as Mitchell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jared McCain supplied 75 of their 98 points through three quarters. Mitchell has delivered top-50 range fantasy value during the first couple weeks of the season and should be rostered until further notice. The Thunder are back in action with a home matchup against the Wizards on Saturday.

While the Thunder are without multiple starters, it appears they’ll be counting on Mitchell for significant scoring. He has at least 20 points in four of his last five games, showing he may be up to the challenge. Mitchell’s fantasy floor has certainly risen given his situation. OKC will have the day off Thursday before taking on the Grizzlies Friday.

Mitchell appears to be the main beneficiary of the injuries the Thunder are dealing with. The 24-year-old guard took more shots and played more minutes than all of his teammates besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Monday. Until the Thunder are back to full strength, fantasy managers can expect that to continue.

Mitchell moved into the starting lineup Monday with the Thunder dealing with a number of injuries and dropped a career-high 30 points in the win over the Suns. He scored 29 points Wednesday against the Mavericks, though it still wasn’t enough to prevent a blowout loss. Nevertheless, Mitchell has become a must-roster player and potentially a league-winner as he continues to produce at a high level when given increased opportunities.

Less than 24 hours after dropping a career-high 30 points on the Suns, Mitchell is on the Thunder injury report with a sprained right ankle. Given the absences Oklahoma City is already dealing with, Mitchell’s absence would significantly affect the team’s rotation. Bennett Stirtz, who played 25 minutes on Monday, could be asked to take on a larger role, possibly as a starter.

With Cason Wallace (shoulder) and Jalen Williams (ankle/leg) out for the foreseeable future, the Thunder will need greater contributions from players like Mitchell to stay afloat in the West. The third-year guard started on Monday and delivered the best game of his NBA career to date. Mitchell finished with his first 30-point game and was a steal shy of a complete stat line. If Mitchell is still on your league’s waiver wire, add him immediately.

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.

Wallace had already been ruled out for Monday’s game following an early exit on Sunday, but it now appears the injury is going to keep him sidelined a while longer. The hits just keep coming for OKC, with Jalen Williams (leg) set to have surgery as well. Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain will both take on significant roles until Wallace and/or Williams return.

Williams’s injury was gruesome, and this diagnosis confirms it. General manager Sam Presti said a timeline will be provided following the surgery, but at this time, it’s unclear exactly how long he’ll be out. However, given the severity, it’s safe to say it will be a lengthy absence for him. Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell should both take on larger roles with Cason Wallace (shoulder) set to undergo surgery as well.

Wallace left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury and didn’t return. He’ll subsequently miss Monday’s game against the Bucks. Ajay Mitchell is certainly a candidate for more minutes and potentially a starting spot with Wallace sidelined.