Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams was ruled out for Friday's game at Memphis with a back issue, moving up from day-to-day. The Thunder are already missing Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
What happened
Jaylin Williams was downgraded to out on the injury report posted Thursday at 6:33 PM ET. He had been listed as day-to-day. The report lists the issue as back, with torso as the area. Its comment reads: "Williams (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies." The report gives Nov. 7 as his expected return. It does not say whether that means the game after Friday or a later date. The same back issue has shifted his status this week, between day-to-day and out. He was also cleared from day-to-day on Oct. 26, after a wrist issue.
What it means for the Thunder
Oklahoma City plays at Memphis on Friday at 8:00 PM ET. The Thunder are 6-2, fourth in the standings, and have won two straight. Williams has played seven games this season. He averages 18.5 minutes, 2.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists. The Thunder are 5-2 with him and 1-0 without him. In that one game without him, Isaiah Hartenstein played 24.6 minutes and Aday Mara played 19.0. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 30.1 points in 33.7 minutes. The Thunder also list Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber as out.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Williams stays out beyond Friday. The current report gives Nov. 7 as his expected return. No further timeline has been announced. Watch the status of Jalen Williams and Holmgren as well, since both are listed as out. The Thunder play at Memphis on Friday night, and the game after that has not been confirmed in the schedule. Hartenstein and Mara are the frontcourt players to track for minutes.
Is Jaylin Williams playing at the Grizzlies?
No. The Thunder forward was ruled out for Friday's game at Memphis (8:00 PM ET) with a back issue.
When will Jaylin Williams be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Nov. 7. No further timeline has been announced.