The Thunder locked up the number one seed in the Western Conference a long time ago. They now have two games left in the regular season against two of the worst teams in the league: Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans. As a result, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso and Lu Dort will all be sitting Friday against the Utah Jazz.
Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins will likely be the starting backcourt. Joe is going to launch from downtown while Wiggins will likely garner the highest usage rate. Jaylin Williams will start at center and he triple-doubled a few weeks ago. Kenrich Williams should soak up most of the power forward minutes, while Branden Carlson should back up both power forward and center positions. Adam Flagler should back up both guard positions.
Ajay Mitchell hasn’t played in three months due to toe surgery, but he’s been cleared and could get some run.
This game is not on any DraftKings slate, classic or showdown, as the 9:30 pm ET tipoff time is a weird one.
