Kenrich

Williams

Williams is now set to return to the Thunder for his seventh season with the organization and ninth in the NBA. The 31-year-old shooting guard is a role player, but also a career 36.8% three-point shooter who shot 38.8% from behind the three-point line last season. Williams has more real-life value, especially to a contending team like the Thunder, than in fantasy basketball.

Due to back spasms, Holmgren will sit out the second game of Oklahoma City’s road back-to-back. Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams take on added importance within the Thunder rotation, likely as starters. Due to the lack of depth, both are worth a roll of the dice in deep leagues.

Holmgren played through back spasms on Tuesday, but he is expected to miss the second leg of this back-to-back. Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) has already been ruled out, which means Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams should both see a bump in minutes and have a chance to start.

Holmgren was initially questionable with back spasms. He’ll take on his usual role within the starting lineup, with Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams picking up additional minutes if Holmgren’s back flares up.

With Isaiah Hartenstein (injury management) and Jalen Williams (hamstring) ruled out, Isaiah Joe and Kenrich Williams will slide into the starting lineup Thursday against the Bucks. Joe has averaged 17 points, 3.6 three-pointers and shot 54.5 percent from the field over his last five games.

Holmgren was one of many key contributors who missed Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, which was Oklahoma City’s second game in as many nights. His return means that Kenrich Williams will head to the bench, where he’s nowhere near as effective in fantasy basketball.

Williams recorded his second 20-point game, with the 25 being the most he’s scored in a game this season. Add in the rebounds, and “Kenny Hustle” had a good night in San Antonio. His fantasy value moving forward depends on the availability of the Thunder frontcourt starters, but he’ll be worth streaming when Oklahoma City is as shorthanded as it was on Thursday.

Between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s abdominal strain and other injuries, and with Wednesday’s game being the second of a back-to-back, the Thunder are going with a new lineup against the Spurs. Joe and Wiggins offer higher ceilings than Kenny Hustle and JayWill, but each is worth streaming in deep leagues due to Oklahoma City’s depleted roster.

Williams was also questionable ahead of Wednesday’s win over the Bucks, but he did not play. If JayWill has to miss another game, Kenrich Williams and Branden Carlson will benefit the most in terms of playing time. “Kenny Hustle” would be worthy of streaming consideration in deep leagues, but he should not be considered a must-add player.

Already down a few rotation players, the Thunder lost Ajay Mitchell during Wednesday’s game with a hip contusion. The absences created opportunities for Williams to increase his production, and “Kenny Hustle” had one of his best games of the season. Wednesday’s game was his sixth this season in double figures, and the 18 points were three shy of his season-high. There’s no need to add Williams after this performance, but there may come a time later this season when his playing time increases due to other players resting for the postseason.