Oklahoma City

Thunder

In Game 6, J-Dub returned from a left hamstring injury that he aggravated during Game 2 of the series. Initially injured during the first round, he played just 10 minutes and was ruled out for Saturday’s Game 7 loss to the Spurs. However, before the season-ending defeat, Daigneault made it clear that Williams did not suffer a setback during his brief Game 6 appearance. He did not go through the standard return-to-play protocols, and it was clear that Williams was not his usual self. “He didn’t do a full return to play, obviously,” Daigneault said. “We knew he wouldn’t be a full 100 percent. He, or we, didn’t know what that would look like and what he’d be able to do when he got out in the game. The only way to find out was to get him out there.” He should be good to go when training camp opens in late September, and fantasy managers hope that J-Dub will be more available than he was this season. He appeared in just 33 regular-season games, not making his debut until late November after undergoing offseason wrist surgery.

Oklahoma City’s season came to an end on Saturday, as they dropped Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals to the Spurs. And with that, the front office has decisions to make regarding the futures of Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams. Each has a team option for next season, with Dort’s being worth a little over $17.7 million. The defensive stalwart hopes to remain with the lone team that he’s played for since entering the NBA in 2019. “The conversation hasn’t happened yet,” Dort said when asked about his team option. “I have a lot of trust in this organization, in Sam (Presti). Really grateful for all the stuff he did for me to this point. I want to stay here. This organization, this city, shaped me as a player. My main goal is to stay here.” Dort has not been a consistently impactful option for fantasy managers in recent seasons. Still, his future in Oklahoma City could affect the ceilings of Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain. If the Thunder were to move on from Dort, there would be an opening in the starting lineup to fill.

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.

Holmgren picked the worst possible time to have one of his worst games of the season. Due to injuries, the Thunder needed more production from the 7-foot-1 forward/center, and he was unable to answer the call. Holmgren attempted just two shots from the field, an inexcusable number given his talent and what was on the line. However, for as disappointing as his Game 7 performance was, Holmgren will remain a highly regarded player in fantasy basketball. He finished this regular season as a second-round player, and that should be the case in 2026-27.

Making his second start of the Western Conference Finals, Wallace stepped up with his best performance of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Thunder guard shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc and recorded a complete stat line. On a night when three other starters failed to score in double figures, Wallace was one of Oklahoma City’s most capable options in Game 7. Due to the team’s depth, his fantasy ceiling has been somewhat limited, but Wallace has been a solid option in category leagues. He’ll be extension eligible this summer, and a larger role could be in the cards for 2026-27, especially considering Luguentz Dort’s struggles.

With no Jalen Williams or Ajay Mitchell, Gilgeous-Alexander was once again in a position where he needed to put the Thunder on his back. The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player was outstanding in Game 7, but the Spurs received more contributions across the board, and that was the difference. Gilgeous-Alexander was one of the best players in fantasy basketball this season, regardless of position, and that shouldn’t change anytime soon. Regardless of league format, SGA should go no lower than third overall in fantasy drafts next fall.

After calling on Jared McCain to serve as the fifth starter in Games 5 and 6, the Thunder turn to Wallace to fill the void left by Jalen Williams (hamstring). The third-year guard started Game 4, logging 21 minutes and finishing with five points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one three-pointer. Wallace will look to offer greater production on Saturday, with the winner headed to the NBA Finals. Despite moving to the bench, McCain will still figure prominently in the Thunder rotation.

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.

After missing Games 3, 4 and 5 of the Western Conference Finals, J-Dub made his return to action in Thursday’s Game 6. The forward came off the bench and looked like a shell of himself in the 10 minutes that he played. With Ajay Mitchell (calf) also out, Jared McCain will remain in the starting lineup. After scoring 20 points in Game 5, McCain was limited to 13 in Game 6.

Williams had a rough go of it in his first action since Game 2 of this series. The 25-year-old small forward had one point in 10 minutes and was -18. Williams was clearly playing at less than 100 percent and giving the Thunder what he could. Coach Mark Daigneault said after the game that the Thunder will see how Williams feels about playing Game 7.