Jaylin

Williams

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.

While Mitchell was not one of the principals in Saturday’s fight, Washington’s Justin Champagnie and Oklahoma City’s Jaylin Williams were; he and Cason Wallace were also ejected for escalating the altercation. Mitchell will serve his one-game suspension on Monday when the Thunder visit the 76ers. Also, Williams was fined $50,000 and Wallace $35,000 for their roles in the fight.

Williams and Washington’s Justin Champagnie got into an altercation late in the second quarter, which would eventually involve players from both teams. In addition to those two, Oklahoma City’s Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace were ejected for escalating the altercation. With the action spilling into the stands, the NBA may hand out a few suspensions in the coming days.

Hartenstein played in the last two games after missing three games with a calf injury, so he will get an injury maintenance day on Wednesday. With Chet Holmgren (hip) also questionable to play, the Thunder could rely heavily on Jaylin Williams in the frontcourt in this one.

Hartenstein will miss a third consecutive game as he continues to deal with a left calf contusion. Jaylin Williams has performed well as the replacement in the starting lineup, and he should be streamed until Harstenstein returns.

As a general rule, JayWill should be considered as a streaming option on nights when Chet Holmgren or Isaiah Hartenstein don’t play. On nights when both are out, Williams is a must-roster player. He was outstanding against the Nuggets, shooting 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. The seven triples were a career-high for the former second-round pick, and fantasy managers also benefited from the rebounds, assists and blocked shots. Oklahoma City doesn’t play again until Thursday, which may be enough time to get Holmgren and Hartenstein back in the lineup. If not, do not hesitate to pick up Williams.