OKC starts SGA, Ajay, Kenrich, Jaylin, Hartenstein

McCain continues to make a significant impact in a versatile role for Oklahoma City this season. He came off the bench in this one and wound up shooting 80 percent from the floor with both of his misses coming from three-point range. He’s scored at least 19 points in back-to-back games and is averaging 25 minutes for the injury-depleted Thunder. They’re back in action with a busy four-game week that includes back-to-back showdowns against the Trail Blazers in addition to road tilts against the Clippers and Kings.

Mara made the most of his opportunity to start on the second night of a back-to-back and was able to exploit Washington’s injury-depleted interior defense on the offensive end of the floor while also pulling down eight boards. The 21-year-old rookie figures to see plenty of action this upcoming week with the Thunder set to play four times, including back-to-back tilts against the Trail Blazers before facing the Clippers and Kings. He’s worthy of a roster spot in most fantasy leagues based on his ability to impact the defensive end of the floor. He’s averaging 8.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.9 blocks through 10 games this season. That’ll work.

The Thunder will start Saturday’s game with a bigger lineup, with Mara starting and Jared McCain coming off the bench. While the production hasn’t been consistent, Mara is worth the risk due to injuries to Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

McCain found himself back in Oklahoma City’s starting lineup and delivered an extremely efficient offensive effort, reaching the 20-point plateau for the first time since Oklahoma City’s season-opening win over the Spurs. The 22-year-old has made the most of his increased opportunities for the injury-ravaged Thunder and is worthy of a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues. Oklahoma City is back in action with a home matchup against the Wizards on Saturday.

The Thunder are going smaller in this game than they did against the Cavs with Aday Mara heads to the bench and Jared McCain returns to the starting lineup. Mara will go back to being a backup center while McCain might get more minutes in this game. If McCain is available, he might be worth grabbing if you need some points and 3’s.

Williams will miss a second straight game, which may result in another start for Aday Mara. However, Mara got the nod against the Cavaliers, who start both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Mark Daigneault may opt for a smaller starting unit against Memphis.

The lone change to the lineup that started Monday’s win over the Cavaliers is Mara, who replaces Jaylin Williams. The 7-foot-3 rookie is making his first career start.

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.

With Chet Holmgren (knee) out for at least 8-10 weeks, the Thunder will rely even more on Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams (3/4/1/1) and Aday Mara (seven points, nine rebounds, three assists and four blocks) in the post. Of the three, Hartenstein is the safest option for fantasy managers, which is why he’s rostered in over 80 percent of Yahoo leagues.

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.