Thunder Roll Out Chaotic Makeshift Lineup Amid Injury Crisis
Fans on social media immediately questioned the spacing and viability of the new starting five.
The are rolling out a starting five on Saturday that looks like it was pulled out of a random name generator.
According to the latest lineup alert, , Jared McCain, a , , and Isaiah Hartenstein are getting the nod against the Houston Rockets.
When the alert dropped, it just said "." Half the internet immediately checked to see if got secretly traded from the , but it is actually Ajay stepping into the spotlight.
This chaotic rotation shuffle is happening because Jalen Williams and are sidelined with injuries. It is a massive test of Oklahoma City's depth, especially for a team sitting pretty at 4-1 and third in the Western Conference.
Jared McCain getting the start is the real wild card here. The guy is averaging 11.0 points and 2.2 assists, but his medical chart reads like a stunt double's resume. After dealing with a meniscus tear, a thumb issue, and a knee injury over the last two years, seeing him healthy and in the starting five is a minor miracle.
For anyone looking at the betting markets, this lineup throws a massive wrench into player props. SGA is going to have to carry an absurd offensive load, meaning his usage rate is about to touch the stratosphere while the rest of the floor tries to figure out spacing on the fly.
We will see if this makeshift group can hold the line on Saturday night in Houston. If they get run off the floor, expect the Thunder to hit the panic button on their rotation before their Tuesday trip to play the Cleveland Cavaliers.