Jaylin Williams has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers with a back issue. He had been day-to-day, so the Thunder will play without him for the first time this season.
What happened
Jaylin Williams was ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers on the injury report posted at 6:34 p.m. ET. He had been listed day-to-day since Tuesday, Nov. 3, with the same back issue, described as a torso injury. The report's comment still describes him as questionable for the game, but his status now reads Out. The report gives an expected return date of Nov. 6. Earlier this season he dealt with a right wrist issue. He was listed out on Oct. 25 and cleared from day-to-day on Oct. 26.
What it means for the Thunder
The Thunder host the Cavaliers at 8:00 p.m. ET Wednesday. They are 5-2, hold the fifth seed and won their last game. Williams, a 24-year-old forward, is averaging 18.5 minutes, 2.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in seven games. Oklahoma City is 5-2 with him and has not yet played without him. His minutes go to the rest of the rotation, where Isaiah Hartenstein averages 24.5 minutes and Aday Mara 18.1. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are also listed out, along with Cason Wallace, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Williams is still on track for the Nov. 6 return date listed on Wednesday's report. The Thunder have not announced anything else about his timeline or about how long the back issue will keep him out. The status has moved from day-to-day to out in a single day, so any change before the next game is worth checking. Watch the report for Holmgren and Jalen Williams too, since all three are in the rotation.
Is Jaylin Williams playing against the Cavaliers on Wednesday?
No. He is listed as out for Wednesday's 8:00 p.m. ET game against the Cavaliers with a back issue. The report's comment still calls him questionable, but his status reads Out.
When will Jaylin Williams be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Nov. 6. The Thunder have not announced anything beyond that.