Alex

Caruso

Caruso left Thursday’s game against the Grizzlies early with a back injury that he’s been dealing with all season. The 31-year-old shooting guard was at shootaround and is available Saturday where he’ll resume his customary reserve role.

Both Caruso and Williams were listed as questionable after exiting early from Thursday’s win over Memphis. Participating in shootaround isn’t a guarantee that they will play, but it is a good sign. Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Joe would be in line for extra minutes if Caruso and Williams are sidelined, with Joe offering more fantasy upside.

Caruso and Williams exited Thursday’s win over the Grizzlies prematurely, and these injuries have been an issue in the past. With Aaron Wiggins (Achilles) out, there would be more playing time available to Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Joe if Caruso and JayWill do not play. Joe offers a higher fantasy ceiling than Kenrich due to his three-point shooting.

Both Caruso and Williams had been dealing with these injuries previously. The Thunder officially ruled out both players in the second half of Thursday’s game against the Grizzlies. Expect both to be on the injury report for Saturday’s game against the Pacers.

Williams, who has missed Oklahoma City’s last seven games with a strained right hip, remains questionable for Thursday’s game against the Grizzlies. While head coach Mark Daigneault did not settle on one specific replacement in the starting lineup while J-Dub was out, Kenrich Williams was the most recent fill-in, playing 28 minutes in Tuesday’s win over the Kings. He, Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe would all be in the mix to start if Williams cannot play against Memphis.

Ducas’ continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Thunder rotation when he is healthy. As for Wiggins, more minutes have become available to Isaiah Joe and Alex Caruso, with the latter being worthy of a look in standard leagues. Joe is an option for deeper formats, but the potential return of Cason Wallace would lower his ceiling.

While Williams has missed Oklahoma City’s last seven games, Wallace was held out of Tuesday’s win over the Kings. Who replaces J-Dub in the starting lineup has varied, with matchups factoring into Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault’s decision. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe have added fantasy value due to the absences, and Kenrich Williams was tabbed to start in Sacramento. Wallace’s availability also impacts Caruso and Joe, especially with Aaron Wiggins sidelined.

The absences of Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins did not lead to Joe moving into the starting lineup, but his minutes did increase. He took advantage of the opportunity, hitting four three-pointers and recording solid assist and steals numbers. Alex Caruso also had a good night, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two three-pointers in 23 minutes. While Caruso is the superior streaming option when the Thunder are shorthanded on the wing, Joe can provide deep-league value under similar circumstances.

Holmgren is back after sitting out Sunday’s win over the Clippers. Alex Caruso will head to the bench but should play plenty, as the Thunder are without Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace. Due to his defensive production, Caruso is worth rostering when available.

Tuesday’s game will be the seventh that Williams has missed with a strained right hip, while Wiggins played 26 minutes off the bench in Sunday’s win over the Clippers. The absences free up additional minutes for Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe, but Chet Holmgren can also absorb some of the minutes that would have gone to J-Dub and Wiggins.