Alex Caruso went onto the report as day-to-day with a right ankle issue after Monday's 125-114 win over Phoenix. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace will undergo surgery, so Oklahoma City is 4-0 and second in the conference with a shorter rotation.
Caruso Joins the List
ESPN reported the injury as an ankle sprain. His estimated return is Oct. 28, which is the night of Wednesday's game at Dallas on ESPN, so his status is the first decision of the day. Against Phoenix he gave the Thunder 9 points on 3-of-5 from deep in nine minutes, at plus 14. Chet Holmgren, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber have the same Oct. 28 estimate. Williams and Wallace are listed out until March 2, 2027. After Dallas the Thunder play at Houston on Oct. 31.
Mitchell Carries the Weight
Ajay Mitchell scored 30 in 26 minutes and went 9-of-10 at the line. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 26. The second unit was thin outside Aday Mara, who had 11 points, 10 rebounds and a plus 13 in 20 minutes. Bennett Stirtz shot 1-of-6. Oklahoma City built a lead of 22, and Phoenix was never ahead by more than a single point. The win was comfortable, but the scoring came from very few players.
Depth Against the Apron
At $214.8M the payroll sits above the first apron, which limits the ways the front office can add a player. The Thunder own their 2029 and 2030 firsts outright and hold swaps in 2027 and 2028. Thunderous Intentions has argued for Derrick Jones Jr. as a trade target, which is an opinion piece, not a report. The open question is whether the minutes left by Williams and Wallace go to Micah Peavy, Kenrich Williams and Josh Dix, or to someone from outside the roster.
Will Alex Caruso play against the Mavericks?
He is listed day-to-day with a right ankle sprain and an estimated return of Oct. 28, the date of the Dallas game. His status is not settled yet.
How long will Jalen Williams be out?
His estimated return is March 2, 2027, and ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported he will undergo surgery. Cason Wallace has the same estimated return date.
