Jared

McCain

Mitchell will miss a third straight game when the Thunder try to close out the Spurs on Thursday. Mitchell had performed like one of OKC’s best scorers through the first two rounds of the postseason, but hasn’t found his rhythm in the Western Conference Finals. Jared McCain will likely remain in the starting lineup with Mitchell sidelined.

Williams is questionable, yet again, ahead of OKC’s Game 6 matchup with San Antonio. He has not played since injuring his hamstring in Game 2, but if available, he’ll provide the Thunder with exceptional two-way ability as a wing scorer and defender. Jared McCain, who scored 20 points in Game 5, will likely remain as the replacement starter if Williams is unable to play.

McCain’s insertion into the opening unit didn’t necessarily lead to a fast start individually — he logged only two points of 1-of-5 shooting over the first two quarters. However, he would proceed to score nine points in each of the third and fourth quarters to finish as one of three Thunder players to reach the 20-point mark. There’s no telling when Jalen Williams (hamstring) or Ajay Mitchell (calf) will return from injuries. Regardless, McCain’s production in this series should keep him firmly in the nightly rotation with a large role.

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.

McCain will start for the first time during this Western Conference Finals matchup, as the Thunder look to bounce back from a blowout loss in Game 4. He will replace Cason Wallace in the opening unit, who had served as a replacement starter for the still-injured Jalen Williams (hamstring). McCain’s scoring production has fluctuated throughout the series, but he offers high-scoring potential.

With Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (calf) unavailable, the Thunder turned to Wallace to fill the resulting void in the starting lineup. He struggled with his shot in Game 4, but the third-year guard wasn’t the only one who failed to show up. Jared McCain (four points, two rebounds) shot 1-of-10 from the field and Alex Caruso (two rebounds, one assist and two blocks) missed his lone shot attempt. Regardless of what happens with J-Dub and Mitchell for Tuesday’s Game 5, the Thunder need more from Wallace, McCain and Caruso if they’re to defend home court.

Mitchell, who exited Friday’s Game 3 victory after suffering a lower-body injury during the third quarter, has been diagnosed with a strained right calf. The second-year guard started Game 3 for the injured Jalen Williams (hamstring), so the Thunder may need another player to move into the lineup for Game 4. Jared McCain scored a playoff career-high 24 points on Friday and should figure prominently in the rotation for Game 4.

With Jalen Williams (hamstring) out for Game 3, the Thunder bench stepped up in a big way and had 76 points in the victory. McCain led the way with 24 points and was +28 in 27 minutes as Oklahoma City took a 2-1 series lead. If Williams’ absence continues, McCain has already shown he can fill the void.

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.

Dort, who needs to play in one more game to be eligible for postseason honors, is the lone starter available for Friday’s game. Of the four replacements, McCain and Wiggins offer the highest ceilings for those in active fantasy leagues.