NBA injuries have played havoc on several teams this year. But the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder received good news on that front on Wednesday.
Anthony Davis Reveals Who He Wants To Suit Up Against This Weekend
The Oklahoma City Thunder won’t have a full squad this year as rookie Thomas Sorber will miss the entire season. But the Thunder will get veteran forward Kenrich Williams back for tonight’s game against Minnesota, as the 30-year-old is not on the team’s injury report.
Williams has been sidelined since undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee just before the start of training camp in late September. He has missed the Thunder’s first 18 games. While the Thunder have not seemingly missed the veteran, he will add depth as Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins remain out. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is also questionable due to an illness against the Timberwolves.
Williams bounced back from a career-worst season in 2023-24 last year. The 6-7 forward averaged 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 67 appearances. He knocked down one three-pointer per game with splits of 48.3/38.6/71.8. He also scored in double figures 18 times and recorded two double-doubles.
What Will Kenrich Williams’ Role Be?
Williams is a versatile defender who can guard both forward spots and the five due to his strength, length, and instincts. He plays hard, is a good rebounder, and knows the Thunder’s system well. Additionally, he is a good passer and spot-up 3-point shooter.
“He’s a leader,” Isaiah Hartenstein said about Williams’ return. “You hear his voice throughout the game and practice. Having him back is something cool.”
Williams will likely be eased into the rotation. While Williams is likely to see 15-to-20 minutes with the second unit, he likely won’t see more than 10 minutes tonight, if he gets any run. Mark Daigneault generally uses a 10-man rotation. Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Joe, Jaylin Williams, Alex Caruso, and Williams will likely be in his second unit tonight. Thus, leaving Ousmane Dieng and Brandon Carlson as the main extras.
Daignault is likely to keep his recent starting lineup intact, as Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to play despite his injury designation, since SGA participated in Wednesday’s morning shootaround, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports. Over his last five games, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Hartenstein joined SGA in the starting lineup.
If Gilgeoander gets ruled out at game time, Mitchell will likely be inserted into the starting five. In that case, the Thunder’s two-way players will likely be active.
Almanza also said Wiggins (thigh) was at shootaround today and did some cardio exercises. Wiggins has been out since November 6. He could return at the end of the month.
Anthony Davis Is Likely To Play On Friday Or Saturday
Anthony Davis practiced today and is on track to play in one of the Mavericks’ two games this weekend, per Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. Davis is expected to be listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavs face the Clippers on Saturday.
“First practice with the group, he did a really good job, Jason Kidd told Curtis after practice. “Hopefully we can see how he feels tomorrow, and we’ll make that decision if it’s LA (Lakers) or the Clippers.”
Davis has not played this entire month and won’t play in both games. The Mavericks are 2-3 with Davis in the lineup and 3-11 without him.
“That’s a real question?” Davis said when asked about which game he would rather play against. “You know what game I want to play. But we’ll see. We’ll have a conversation and see what makes the most sense with the medical staff and the coaching staff.”
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