Jaylin Williams is out on Wednesday against Cavs

Tuesday’s game will be the fourth JayWill has missed due to lower back spasms. Aday Mara has started two of Oklahoma City’s last three games, with Jared McCain receiving the nod in the other.

Williams is set to miss his third consecutive game with a back injury. Kenrich Williams moved into the starting lineup Friday against the Grizzlies, but he isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

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.

JayWill started Monday’s win over the Cavaliers and played 20 minutes. Depending on his back, Williams should take on a similar workload if he’s available.

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.