Oklahoma City upgraded Jaylin Williams from out to day-to-day with a back issue on Thursday morning. His expected return is Friday, the night the Thunder visit Memphis.
What happened
Jaylin Williams moved from out to day-to-day on the injury report at 10:11 AM ET on Thursday, Nov. 5. The injury is listed as back, torso. He was first listed day-to-day on Tuesday, Nov. 3, then moved to out on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Clemente Almanza of USA Today reported that Williams was listed as out for Wednesday's game versus Cleveland. The report gives an expected return of Nov. 6. Williams missed time earlier this season with a wrist issue. He was listed out on Oct. 25 and cleared the next day.
What it means for the Thunder
The Thunder (6-2, fourth seed, winners of two straight) play at the Grizzlies on Friday, Nov. 6 at 8:00 PM ET. Williams has played 7 games, averaging 18.5 minutes, 2.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Oklahoma City is 5-2 with him and 1-0 without him. In the game without him, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played 33.7 minutes and scored 30.1 points. Ajay Mitchell (27.6), Jared McCain (24.9), Isaiah Hartenstein (24.6), Alex Caruso (19.2) and Aday Mara (19.0) also logged minutes. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are both listed out, as are Cason Wallace, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Williams is cleared for Memphis. The report lists his expected return as Nov. 6, the day of the Grizzlies game, but his status remains day-to-day. No other timeline is announced. The Thunder also have five other players listed out, so the rotation could stay thin for Friday's game. Watch the minutes for Hartenstein, Caruso and Mara if Williams sits.
Is Jaylin Williams playing at the Grizzlies?
Not announced. He is listed day-to-day with a back issue, and the report gives an expected return of Nov. 6, the date of the Grizzlies game.
When will Jaylin Williams be back?
The injury report lists his expected return as Nov. 6. His status is day-to-day, and the next report will update it.