Isaiah

Joe

Oklahoma City recently dealt Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks for picks, and Joe is the latest in a series of moves to clear cap space. Lu Dort is another name to keep an eye on as the Thunder look to shed salary. In the meantime, the absences of Wiggins and Joe should mean more run for Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain, two players who had strong postseason performances. Joe’s fantasy stock is on the rise in Detroit, as he could be a starter or Sixth Man thanks to his elite floor-spacing abilities.

The Pistons have been linked to nearly every available shooter this offseason. Prior to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, it was believed that Powell would re-sign with the Heat. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Tuesday morning that Powell isn’t going to re-sign with Miami barring a “crazy discount.” With Powell seemingly available now, it’s no surprise that Detroit will at least kick the tires on the 33-year-old All-Star. The Pistons will continue to look to add shooting and playmaking around its core this offseason and Powell could factor into those plans. Stein and Fischer report Detroit is also interested in Tyler Herro, Coby White and Isaiah Joe.

Saturday’s series finale will be the fourth consecutive game that Mitchell has missed since straining his right calf during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Jalen Williams (hamstring) is also out for Game 7, which means the Thunder will once again lean heavily on Jared McCain. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe also have added importance due to the absences.

Williams’ third straight absence puts the Thunder in a tougher spot, as they’ll also be without Ajay Mitchell (calf). Williams hasn’t played since Game 2 of the series, logging just seven first-quarter minutes before being ruled out the rest of the way. His presence will be missed, placing extra importance on players such as Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Joe to fill the void in production for a Thunder team looking to protect homecourt and take a 3-2 series lead.

Williams is set to miss Game 3 after leaving Wednesday’s Game 2 after playing just seven minutes due to a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old forward suffered the initial injury in the first round series against the Suns. In Williams’ absence, Jared McCain, Isaiah Joe and Isaiah Hartenstein all saw increased roles and that should be the case again in Game 3.

Joe has rejoined the Thunder after missing Saturday’s Game 3 victory for personal reasons. He’ll provide additional depth on the wings as Oklahoma City continues without the injured Jalen Williams (hamstring).

Joe was listed as doubtful for personal reasons on Friday’s injury report, so his absence doesn’t come as a surprise. He had six points in 15 minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s Game 2 victory. A limited bench player, Joe isn’t a significant loss for the defending champion Thunder.

Joe had six points in 15 minutes off the bench in the Thunder’s Game 2 victory over the Suns on Wednesday. Listed as doubtful on the injury report for personal reasons for Saturday’s Game 3, Joe is unlikely to play. He’s not a significant loss for the Thunder.

Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Joe remain out for Oklahoma City’s final regular-season game, as the outcome will not affect playoff seeding. Nikola Topić started at point guard on Friday and played 39 minutes; he’ll likely take on a similar workload on Sunday. Brooks Barnhizer and Payton Sandfort played significant minutes off the bench against the Nuggets and will remain in the rotation.

Hartenstein and Joe are among the several Thunder players who have been ruled out of Friday’s matchup with the Nuggets. OKC officially clinched homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs after defeating the Clippers on Wednesday. Friday’s game, however, could affect the Nuggets’ standing in the Western Conference standings.