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Mitchell

Mitchell could be back following a two-game absence. Alex Caruso started in his first absence, while Kenrich Williams got the nod on Friday. Williams would likely start again if Mitchell remains out.

Mitchell will miss a second straight game with an ankle injury. Alex Caruso started Wednesday’s loss to the Trail Blazers and should hold onto that role. He is worth streaming with Mitchell out.

Mitchell missed Wednesday’s game against Portland, which allowed Alex Caruso to slide into the starting unit. Caruso contributed 14 points, three steals and four triples in the loss and would be worth streaming if Mitchell ends up missing another game.

Mitchell will be sidelined for the second night of OKC’s back-to-back, which will open up a spot in the starting unit. Alex Caruso, Micah Peavy and Nique Clifford are all candidates to take on more minutes, with one of them likely to start.

Mitchell has scored in double figures in five straight and nine of his last 10 games. Injuries that have beset the Thunder this season have created more opportunities for the third-year guard, who is averaging a career-high 18.5 points per game and providing top-100 fantasy value. As long as Mitchell stays healthy, he’s capable of maintaining his current production all season long.

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.

Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, Mitchell is now available. Because of Oklahoma City’s injuries, he should be rostered in most redraft leagues. Mitchell is coming off his first 30-point game in Monday’s win over the Suns.