The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive season with a sixth consecutive victory, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 107-89. This win marks the Thunder's 16th straight triumph against Portland, showcasing their dominance in recent matchups. Despite missing star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder relied on their bench strength, with Jaylin Williams leading the way with a triple-double, contributing 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Williams proved instrumental on both ends of the court, facilitating the offense and enhancing the team’s defensive intensity.

Oklahoma City displayed depth and resilience, pulling away to a commanding 21-point lead at one stage. The team's ability to adapt and perform without key players underscores their potential as they head into a pivotal matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, which will be featured on ABC.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are shaking things up as they face the Portland Trail Blazers with a completely new starting lineup due to resting key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. This opens up intriguing opportunities for Thunder reserves in NBA DFS contests. With Aaron Wiggins averaging 17.8 points off the bench since February, he could become a key value pick. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are also affected by an injury to Jalen Brunson, which may lead to other players stepping up for DFS consideration.

On the advice of DFS expert Mike McClure, top picks for Friday include Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes, who has shown strong performances recently, averaging 19.3 points and 7.9 rebounds over his last eight games. Facing the Utah Jazz, whose defense ranks poorly, Barnes is primed for a breakout game. Another option is Charlotte Hornets’ Jusuf Nurkic, who could shine in the absence of Mark Williams. With the current injury landscape, value plays are crucial for crafting winning lineups.

In a standout performance against the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder's backup center Jaylin Williams demonstrated his prowess, contributing significantly to the team's 120-103 victory. With Chet Holmgren sidelined, Williams showcased his shooting skills by going 4-for-4 from three-point range, totaling 13 points in just 20 minutes of action. His efforts didn't go unnoticed, as teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expressed deep appreciation for Williams’ adaptability and work ethic.

Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the challenges of maintaining focus without guaranteed playing time, praising Williams for his consistency and reliability. As the Thunder navigate the season with a changing roster, Williams' ability to perform under pressure exemplifies his value to the team. As OKC continues to gain strength from returning players, Williams' role will fluctuate, but his impact remains crucial to the Thunder's success.

Wednesday night brings an exciting NBA DFS slate with seven games, highlighted by matchups like the Thunder against the Grizzlies and the Kings facing off against the Nuggets. Jalen Williams, priced at $8,200, is a standout option due to his recent performances, including a career-high 41 points last Sunday. Meanwhile, Desmond Bane ($8,000) is set to shoulder the Grizzlies' offensive load, especially with teammates nursing injuries. The Jazz’s Kyle Filipowski ($5,500) is also in a favorable position with multiple starters out, making him a value play. In tournament pivots, Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,000) and Donovan Mitchell ($8,800) are key players to watch for high ceilings.

As lineup locks approach at 7:00 PM ET, monitoring injury news is crucial, particularly for players like Ja Morant and Nikola Jokic. This slate promises high-scoring potential, especially in matchups with the Thunder, who have been scoring at least 128 points per game since the All-Star break. Dive into the DFS pool with informed picks and strategies to maximize your lineup’s potential tonight.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stunning performance, scoring 51 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 137-128 victory over the Houston Rockets, marking their 50th win of the season. Jalen Williams added 24 points, showcasing his shooting prowess, while rookie Reed Sheppard scored a career-high 25 points for the Rockets in his first career start. The game featured multiple lead changes and a late surge by the Rockets, but the Thunder's balanced scoring and defensive plays secured the win.

Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable night included 18-for-30 shooting and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. His first-quarter explosion helped the Thunder recover from an early deficit. Williams' consistent shooting from beyond the arc contributed significantly to the team's success. On the opposite side, Sheppard's strong debut demonstrated his potential, adding excitement for the Rockets despite their injury struggles.