Oklahoma City

Thunder

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.

Caruso is back after missing Oklahoma City’s last three games with a sprained ankle. He’ll give the Thunder much-needed wing depth, with two-way contract rookie Josh Dix possibly falling out of the rotation.

After missing this third straight contest on Monday vs. the Cavs, Caruso is expected to not be out long term as his ankle sprain is not deemed serious. Even when the veteran guard gets back into the fold, the Thunder will still rely on the younger guys for heavy minutes.

Terry enters his fifth season in the NBA, departing from the Warriors G League team in Santa Cruz. In 218 games played, Terry has averaged 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists. His most recent stints last season with the Bulls and 76ers saw him play just 11.5 minutes per game. The 6-7 wing will help provide the Thunder some depth in that position as the injuries have piled up just in the opening weeks of the season.

Mitchell appears to be the main beneficiary of the injuries the Thunder are dealing with. The 24-year-old guard took more shots and played more minutes than all of his teammates besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Monday. Until the Thunder are back to full strength, fantasy managers can expect that to continue.