The Oklahoma City Thunder enter a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers with mounting injury concerns at the center position. After already not having Isaiah Hartenstein or Jaylin Williams available due to injuries, Chet Holmgren suffered a pelvic fracture that will sideline him for at least the next 8-to-10 weeks.
While no true center remains healthy for the Thunder right now, Kenrich Williams has sometimes played some small-ball center in his career. He is set to return to the lineup on Monday night after recovering from right knee surgery.
Despite being 6-foot-6, he appears to be the best available option to slide in at the five spot more frequently. The team also has rookie Dillon Jones, who is also 6-foot-6, or they could experiment with 6-foot-9 wing Ousmane Dieng sliding over into this role, if needed.
Ivica Zubac Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook vs. Thunder
The Thunder surely needs Holmgren back healthy, but will need to get by without him in the short term. Without Hartenstein or Williams, the options are limited. Ivica Zubac, averaging 16.4 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists this season, will be a load to handle.
Zubac has some intriguing betting options on DraftKings Sportsbook to consider on Monday. With lines set at 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and a combined points and rebounds line of 28.5, there are some options.
It won’t be easy for the Thunder to get by without Holmgren. He serves as the foundation of their league-best defense, which has posted a staggering 96.8 defensive rating in the 265 minutes Holmgren has played. The results decline to a 101.3 defensive rating in 215 minutes without Holmgren. Without traditional centers available, their defense will be tested fully having to deal with both starters and bench units without Holmgren on the floor.
Despite Holmgren’s injury, the Thunder still hold +475 odds to win the championship this season on DraftKings Sportsbook, trailing only the Boston Celtics (+290). Additionally, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is +330 to win MVP, will be tested to guide his team through injuries.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
