Oklahoma City Thunder DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Alex Caruso (hip) will miss a fifth straight game on Tuesday versus Minnesota. He has failed to overcome a hip strain. Ajay Mitchell has figured more prominently in the rotation during Caruso's absence. The 22-year-old rookie has averaged 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 22.6 minutes across the last four games. He's started only one time during the stretch. Minnesota gives up the second-fewest bench points in the league, so Mitchell and the rest of the Thunder's second unit might run into difficulties on New Year's Eve.

Due to an injury, Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Luguentz Dort (ankle) will not suit up against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Dort left Thursday's game against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter, limping off with what seemed to be a knee injury but was later confirmed to be a right ankle sprain. Dort has been averaging 9.8 points per game this season. He also contributes 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Aaron Wiggins and Adam Flagler are possible replacements at small forward.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Alex Caruso (hip) will not suit up for Thursday's matchup against Indiana. He has been ruled out for the contest after Caruso hurt his left hip on Monday against Washington. Ajay Mitchell got extra burn on Monday and enjoyed the best game of his young career with 16 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace figure to soak in some of Caruso's minutes as well. Wallace gave up his starting spot to Joe on Monday but still went close to 30 minutes of action and should remain a better fantasy option.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Alex Caruso (undisclosed) did not complete Monday's matchup against Washington. He went to the locker room with a little over a minute played in the fourth quarter and never returned to action. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said after the game that an update on Caruso should come on Tuesday after he has been evaluated. Rookie Ajay Mitchell picked up extra shifts following Caruso's exit on Monday, producing a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double. He might land himself a larger role for the upcoming games as well if Caruso has to sit out some time.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Jaylin Williams (hamstring) will not suit up for Tuesday's matchup against Milwaukee. He's been unavailable for the entire year so far because of a hamstring injury and won't be ready to return for the 2024 NBA Cup final. Kenrich Williams will continue to provide backup for starting center Isaiah Hartenstein. However, the 30-year-old has very little fantasy appeal, having averaged 7.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 13.7 minutes this month.