Just in time for their upcoming Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals, the OKC Thunder have finally received some good news on the injury front.
It was announced before their Thursday matchup against the Toronto Raptors that elite 3-and-D guard Alex Caruso (hip) has been removed from the injury report play, while Jaylin Williams (hamstring) was listed as a game-time decision, though, ultimately, has been ruled out.
Though the team may only be getting back one of these two oft-sidelined players, the fact Jay Will's status was changed even for mere moments is a sign that he may be back for next week's NBA Cup game.
Thunder starting to regain health ahead of NBA Cup Quarterfinals
Even with these two players out, the Thunder have been absolutely dominant and boast the top record in the Western Conference at 16-5. Without Alex Caruso, OKC has managed to stay more than afloat with a record of 6-2, showing that even at sub-full strength they can still compete at a high level.
Still, getting one of these players back ahead of next week's Cup game will prove vital, as the Thunder look to get revenge against their rivals, the Dallas Mavericks, who not only trounced them from last postseason's semifinals but also bested them back on November 17 of this current campaign.
So far this season, Caruso has struggled offensively, only putting up 5.0 points per game on 35.6 percent shooting from the field. However, what he's lacked on the offensive end he's more then made up for on the defensive side of the ball.
In 13 games played, he is averaging 1.8 steals and just shy of a block per game. He is also third in the league for deflections per game, sitting soundly at 3.9 per contest.
With how much Dallas will want to swing the ball around and get players like PJ Washington and Klay Thompson going early, his ability to read the passing lanes will prove quite valuable.
Jaylin Williams (assuming he can get back to the floor by next Tuesday), meanwhile, will provide the Thunder some much-needed size to help take the pressures and high-end workload off of Isaiah Hartenstein.
Even though the 22-year-old may not be known as the most menacing of interior presences the league has to offer, he provides one attribute, in particular, that sets him apart as a true defensive difference-maker down low.
His secret weapon: Knowing how to take a charge.
Last year, he became something of a charge king, ranking sixth in the league with 19 total charges and first in charges per 36 minutes, sitting at 0.76.
This talent could prove detrimental to attack-heavy guys on the Mavs like Luka Doncic and Derek Lively II, as it may lead to early foul trouble in the do-or-do exhibition.
Williams also brings in some offensive flexibility, as he's able to set screens like Hartenstein while also being able to shoot the long ball (sports a 38.5 percent clip from distance for his career).
With both players potentially being healthy enough to square off against the Mavericks next week, they could very well prove to be the reinforcements needed to win the Emirates NBA Cup and get the prize money Jaylin Williams has been bugging everyone about in the locker room.