Branden

Carlson

Already playing without Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder lost Jaylin Williams to a strained oblique during the first half of Sunday’s game. The result was even more playing time for Carlson, who had the best day of his NBA career. Not only did the rookie record season highs in points and rebounds, but this was also his first double-double. Unlike Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, Carlson will not be in the Thunder playoff rotation, even if Williams misses time. But he undoubtedly made a positive impression with his play in New Orleans.

Williams injured his ankle just two minutes into the game, and there is no reason for him to play through it in a meaningless game. Branden Carlson will fill out the center minutes in this game.

A sore left hip hastened Hartenstein’s exit from Saturday’s game, with Kenrich Williams replacing him in the lineup to begin the third quarter. With Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams also out, Kenny Hustle and Branden Carlson will play additional minutes during the second half od Saturday’s contest.

Carlson has been on and off with the Thunder this season, and he’s currently playing on a 10-day contract. He has barely seen the floor this season, and his appearances have been almost exclusively during blowouts. However, he set career-highs for points, rebounds, 3-pointers and minutes in this game. It was fun to see and showed just how bad they beat the Cavs in this game. Carlson shouldn’t be considered for a roster spot in any league.

With Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) sidelined, JWill will get his first start of the season. He hasn’t made a fantasy impact this season, but as the starter, he should be able to provide streaming value, especially on a day with only five games.

Carlson’s status does not impact fantasy basketball. In addition to having Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder welcomed back Jaylin Williams on Monday. He’ll serve as the backup center moving forward.

OKC has been down all three of their options at center and have been playing a small-ball lineup over their last two games. Technically, Carlson will be the first option at center, though managers shouldn’t expect him to immediately jump into the starting lineup. He played well for the Raptors this summer and spent some time with them during the preseason, but he has spent this season playing for their G-League affiliate. It’s unclear how Mark Daigneault will use him. It could be situational. It could be to mix things up for 10 minutes per game. It could be as a starter. Keep an eye on him, but there’s no reason to rush to the waiver wire for him.