Isaiah

Hartenstein

Hartenstein is not at the point where he’s allowed to play both games of back-to-backs, so the decision to sit him on Tuesday was likely done with Wednesday’s game against the Knicks in mind. Chet Holmgren will be available against Chicago, so he’ll pick up some of the slack. Hartenstein’s absence also means more playing time for Jaylin Williams, who is worthy of streaming consideration.

Hartenstein remains under a restriction, so he joined Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench in overtime after logging 25 minutes. The 7-footer was productive while on the floor, filling the stat sheet while shooting 66.7 percent from the field. As long as Hartenstein’s workload is restricted, Jaylin Williams (21 points, five rebounds, three assists, one block and two three-pointers in 26 minutes) will be worth a look in deeper leagues.

The big news for Oklahoma City is that Gilgeous-Alexander makes his return from an abdominal strain that sidelined him for nine games. His return means that Isaiah Joe will come off the bench. Also, with Holmgren and Hartenstein back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Pistons, Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams come off the bench.

Hartenstein was one of many Thunder contributors who were held out of Wednesday’s loss to the Pistons, as it was the reigning champions’ second game in as many days. His return bumps Jaylin Williams, who scored a career-high 30 points in Detroit, to the bench.

Due to Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein being out, Williams was inserted into the Thunder starting lineup for the ninth time this season. And he took full advantage of the opportunity, putting up a career-high 30 points and his third double-double of the season. Wednesday’s game was the second in as many nights for the Thunder, so fantasy managers will need to consider that when evaluating JayWill for the rest of Week 18. However, if Holmgren or Hartenstein can’t play in Friday’s game against the Nuggets, Williams will be worth a long look in deep leagues.

Hartenstein logged 26 minutes in Tuesday’s win, and now he will sit out the second leg of OKC’s back-to-back. Jaylin Williams should get the start at center with Hartenstein sidelined and Chet Holmgren (back) listed as doubtful.

Hartenstein returned from a calf injury and logged 24 minutes in OKC’s win over Brooklyn. In his time on the floor, he led all Thunder players in rebounds and blocks, while finishing the game as one of five OKC players to score in double figures. Hartenstein’s production on Friday was about where it’s been throughout the season. He’s capable of more, but fantasy managers should expect him to stick around these numbers that fall pretty close to his averages.

Hartenstein will get the night off for the second leg of Oklahoma City’s back-to-back set, which means Chet Holmgren should shoulder the load at center. Jaylin Williams will likely see a big bump in playing time, as Jalen Williams is also out.

With Oklahoma City playing its second game in as many nights, Hartenstein was held out of Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. His return means that Jaylin Williams heads to the bench, with JayWill’s streaming value taking a hit.

With the Thunder down to eight active players, JayWill took on a prominent role within the team’s offense. His ability to facilitate was something Oklahoma City drew on throughout the game, and he finished with four assists and a double-double. Williams’ fantasy value moving forward depends on the availability of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, who both sat out Wednesday’s game. With the Thunder off until Saturday, there’s no need to add Williams immediately. But he’ll be worth streaming the next time Oklahoma City is down its starting two bigs.