Thunder’s Derrick Favors done for season with sore back

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault recently told reporters, including Joe Mussatto of the Oklahoman (Twitter link), that veteran center Derrick Favors will miss the remainder of the season with lower back soreness. He hasn’t played since Feb. 24.

Favors, 30, holds a player option for 2022-23 worth $10,183,800, which he’s almost certain to pick up after having the worst season of his 12-year career. Favors averaged career-lows of 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds this season in 39 games with the Thunder (16.7 minutes per night).

While Favors’ per-minute averages are still decent, he’s been trending downward the past few seasons.

Daigneault also said that Kenrich Williams is doubtful to return to action this year as he continues to deal with a sprained knee. He’s been sidelined even longer than Favors, since Feb. 14.

Williams, 27, has emerged as a valuable three-and-D role player over the past couple seasons with OKC, averaging a combined 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists on .501/.391/.559 shooting in 115 games (21.7 minutes). His $2M salary for next season is non-guaranteed.

The tanking Thunder currently hold a 22-54 record, which is the fourth-worst mark in the league according to our reverse standings.