Jaylin Williams (back) questionable Wednesday

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.

Williams played only five minutes in Sunday’s win over the Clippers before he left and didn’t return with a sore wrist. Off the injury report Monday, Williams should be more involved with Chet Holmgren (knee) ruled out.

JayWill played five minutes off the bench before leaving with a sore right wrist, and the Thunder have now shut him down for the rest of the night. His exit will likely result in more playing time for fellow reserve Aday Mara, who logged seven minutes in the first half.

Williams missed time during the preseason with a heel injury, so his absence from the injury report is a positive development. However, with Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Aday Mara also available, JayWill may not get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball on Tuesday.

Mara came off the bench with Isaiah Hartenstein making his preseason debut, but he was still able to make a solid impact in his 19 minutes. Mara has been productive during the preseason, and with Chet Holmgren (quad) and Jaylin Williams (heel) having been sidelined for the preseason so far, there is a chance Mara ends up playing a large role early on behind Isaiah Hartenstein. It’s a situation worth monitoring with the regular season set to start in just one week.

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.

While Jared McCain led the Thunder bench with 24 points, they also had contributions from Williams, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace. Those four combined for 68 points. Williams made five three-pointers in 22 minutes and was +22. The Thunder’s depth continues to impress as they’ve bounced back after losing Game 1 to win the next two games with Jalen Williams (hamstring) only playing seven minutes.

Holmgren came out hot in Game 1, scoring 13 points in the first quarter. He didn’t offer much production after that, but the Thunder really didn’t need much from him. Holmgren’s final line only lacked an assist, and he was one of three starters to block two shots. Oklahoma City’s bigs were excellent defensively, with Isaiah Hartenstein (eight points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks) and Jaylin Williams (five points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and one three-pointer) joining Holmgren in recording at least two “stocks.” Holmgren is one of the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, joining San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson.

It’s a tough break during fantasy championship week as both players will get the night off for injury maintenance. Jaylin Williams, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso should all take on additional minutes with J-Dub and Hartenstein sidelined.

Holmgren has appeared in seven straight games, but he’ll sit out against Chicago while dealing with a right hip contusion. Holmgren’s absence frees up more playing time for Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe, but Jaylin Williams could be the biggest beneficiary from a fantasy standpoint.