Oklahoma City Will Need Playmakers to Step Up in the Absence of Jalen Williams

Just when everything was falling into place for the Thunder, adversity hit. At 11-4, Oklahoma City has had a great start to the 2023-24 season, but with two big-time games coming up on the schedule, they'll need contributions from everyone to get the job done.

The biggest absence on the court starts with Jalen Williams, who will miss his third consecutive game with a hip injury against Philadelphia on Saturday. In addition to Williams' absence, there's also a cloud floating over the team with the NBA looking into allegations against Josh Giddey and his potential inappropriate relationship.

There's no word on Giddey's status for Saturday's game, but it's certain that Williams will be sidelined. And that means someone will have to step up.

Cason Wallace is likely slated to start again, and while he has been incredibly efficient, he's going to need to up his volume. In the last three games, Wallace is shooting 50% but has taken just eight total shots. With his minutes increasing, the Thunder will need him to be more assertive offensively.

Kenrich Williams has been huge in his return to the lineup, averaging 6.4 points and 3.0 rebounds on 61.9% shooting. His size and rebounding skills can help make up for Jalen Williams' loss in the frontcourt.

Over the first 14 games of the season, Isaiah Joe has been Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's running mate. He is averaging 10.9 points on 51.8% shooting from 3-point range. He'll have to help take the load off of Gilgeous-Alexander, who will be tasked with patrolling the offense. 

Every player mentioned can help the Thunder in Williams' absence, but deeper down the bench could be the real surprise. Could Saturday end up being a Tre Mann game? Or could Ousmane Dieng log minutes after his G League stint?

Mann logged 23 minutes in Oklahoma City's blowout win over Portland and recorded seven points on 3-of-7 shooting. If the Thunder's offense needs a spark early, Mann could be a candidate for minutes off the bench.

With the Sixers and the Timberwolves on deck, the Thunder will need someone to step up, no matter who it is.