Oklahoma City

Thunder

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.

Gilgeous-Alexander continues to shoulder the bulk of the scoring workload for the injury-plagued Thunder who are without starters Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren. He came up short in his bid for a third consecutive 40-point performance, but that was mostly due to the fact that he wasn’t needed in the late stages of a one-sided affair. He got some significant help from youngsters Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain as the trio accounted for 75 of Oklahoma City’s 98 points through three quarters in a lopsided affair. The Thunder are back in action with a home matchup against the Wizards on Saturday.

McCain found himself back in Oklahoma City’s starting lineup and delivered an extremely efficient offensive effort, reaching the 20-point plateau for the first time since Oklahoma City’s season-opening win over the Spurs. The 22-year-old has made the most of his increased opportunities for the injury-ravaged Thunder and is worthy of a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues. Oklahoma City is back in action with a home matchup against the Wizards on Saturday.

The Thunder are going smaller in this game than they did against the Cavs with Aday Mara heads to the bench and Jared McCain returns to the starting lineup. Mara will go back to being a backup center while McCain might get more minutes in this game. If McCain is available, he might be worth grabbing if you need some points and 3’s.

Williams will miss a second straight game, which may result in another start for Aday Mara. However, Mara got the nod against the Cavaliers, who start both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Mark Daigneault may opt for a smaller starting unit against Memphis.

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.

Gilgeous-Alexander has destroyed the Cavaliers in the last two games. The two-time defending MVP has 85 points and two wins against Cleveland going all the way back to Monday. Gilgeous-Alexander can reach heights few players in the NBA can. He showed that again Wednesday and will likely continue to have some monster nights while the Thunder are missing multiple starters.

The lone change to the lineup that started Monday’s win over the Cavaliers is Mara, who replaces Jaylin Williams. The 7-foot-3 rookie is making his first career start.

With Jaylin not playing, look for Aday Mara to get a bump in minutes. We could also see some minutes for newly signed Dalen Terry, Micah Peavy, or two-way player Josh Dix to pick up more of power forward minutes.

JayWill started Monday’s win over the Cavaliers and played 20 minutes. Depending on his back, Williams should take on a similar workload if he’s available.