Description: Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant led his team in scoring, rebounding and assists Saturday in a loss at Memphis.
Insight: Durant's 25 points on 9-of-19 shooting was his lowest point total since Game 1 against the Rockets in the first round. Durant missed two huge free throws in the final minute and it looked like he just ran out of gas. The Grizzlies now hold a two games to one edge with Game 4 Monday night in Memphis.
Description: OKC point guard Reggie Jackson posted a double-double Saturday versus Memphis (16 points, 10 rebounds).
Insight: That's Jackson's first career double-double. After averaging just 14.2 mpg during the regular season, Jackson has averaged 30 a night in eight playoff games.
Description: Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (torn meniscus) will be on crutches for another 4-5 weeks before receiving a firmer timetable for recovery, according to Royce Young of DailyThunder.com.
Insight: That means he has no shot of making a comeback this postseason, even if the Thunder ride Kevin Durant back to the NBA Finals. Reggie Jackson is averaging 15.2 points, 3.0 assists and 4.2 rebounds in six starts since Westbrook went down.
Description: OKC guard Kevin Martin had another big game off the bench Sunday against Memphis (25 points, seven rebounds in 32 minutes).
Insight: Since going invisible in Game 5 against Houston earlier in the week (three points on 1-for-10 shooting), Martin has averaged 25 ppg on 15-for-27 shooting (55.6 percent). He's shot 60 percent from three-point range over his last two contests (6-for-10).
Description: Thunder small forward Kevin Durant was sensational Sunday in a series opening win against Memphis (35 points, 15 boards, six assists).
Insight: His 19-footer put the Thunder ahead 91-90 with 11 seconds left. Ten of Durant's 35 points came during the fourth. OKC outscored Memphis 29-18 over the game's final 12 minutes.
Description: Thunder shooting guard Kevin Martin struggled against his former team Wednesday in Game 5 (1-of-10 from the field for just three points).
Insight: It's been an up and down series for Martin (11.4 ppg on 30.4 percent shooting). With Russell Westbrook out for the rest of the playoffs, Martin will need to emerge as OKC's No. 2 scorer if the Thunder hope to advance to the NBA Finals like they did in 2012.
Description: Thunder guard Reggie Jackson did his best Russell Westbrook impression Wednesday in Game 5 against Houston.
Insight: Jackson netted 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting. He averaged 17.3 ppg in Games 3-5 after scoring just 7.5 ppg in Games 1 and 2. The difference, of course, is that Oklahoma City won the first three games of the series and has now lost the last two. Jackson and the Thunder face another stiff challenge Friday night in Game 6.
Description: Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant collected 36 points on 11-of-23 shooting Wednesday in Game 5 against the Rockets.
Insight: Durant struggled from deep (1-of-8 from behind the three-point arc) but he did a nice job sharing the ball (seven assists) and his presence was definitely felt on the boards (seven rebounds in 45 minutes). He's averaging 38.3 ppg on 36-of-69 shooting since Russell Westbrook went down with a knee injury in Game 2.
Description: With Russell Westbrook out due to a meniscus tear, Reggie Jackson has taken over as Oklahoma City's starting point guard.
Insight: Jackson has averaged 16.0 ppg over the past two games while playing just over 30 minutes per game, but not producing much in the way of assist totals (2.0 apg).
Description: You're up, Reggie. Now that Russell Westbrook is out with a meniscus tear, Reggie Jackson will take over as Oklahoma City's starting point guard. SOURCE: Darnell Mayberry, The Oklahoman
Insight: That's a lot to ask of a guy who only averaged 14.2 minutes per game during the regular season. Kevin Durant will be forced to do most of the heavy lifting for the Thunder now that Westbrook is done for the season.
Description: Updating a previous report, Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (torn meniscus) has officially been ruled out for the rest of the postseason.
Insight: Is it too early to start planning Miami's victory parade? Without Westbrook, OKC is no longer the favorite to come out of the Western Conference. Backup point guard Reggie Jackson has some mighty big shoes to fill Saturday night in Houston.
Description: Oklahoma Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook will undergo surgery on Saturday to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee, according to a Oklahoman report.
Insight: Depending upon the severity they find, Westbrook (23.2 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals ) could be out 2-3 weeks or six months for a full tear. This is a devastating blow to fantasy owners and the Thunder's championship hopes as they have no one on their roster to play his role. If only James Harden was still on the Thunder roster they might be able to weather this storm.
Description: Oklahoma Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook is out indefinitely and will undergo surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee, according to a Oklahoman report.
Insight: This is a devastating blow to fantasy owners and the Thunder's championship hopes. Westbrook averaged 23.2 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 threes per game this season and was an absolute fantasy stud. Kevin Durant will have to step his game up to a new level because Reggie Jackson and Derek Fisher can't fill Westbrook's shoes.
Description: OKC power forward Serge Ibaka nailed a clutch jumper to put the game out of reach late in Wednesday night's win over Houston.
Insight: The Rockets left Ibaka wide open and he burned them by hitting a 19-footer with 31 seconds left on the clock. Ibaka (12 points) also contributed 11 rebounds and six blocks in the victory.
Description: Thunder small forward Kevin Durant finished with a team-high 29 points Wednesday in a Game 2 win over Houston.
Insight: Durant also led the team with nine assists. His clutch three with 2:28 left in the fourth gave Oklahoma City a 98-97 lead and essentially put the Thunder back in the driver's seat. Durant and his teammates will head to Houston this Saturday with a 2-0 series lead.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant missed out on the scoring title but he still led the league in free throw shooting this season (90.5 percent).
Insight: Golden State's Stephen Curry finished second with a 90 percent success rate in 2012-13. Durant (28.1 ppg, 4.6 apg, 7.9 rpg) also led the league in free throws made (679) and was second in free throws attempted (750) behind his former teammate James Harden (792).
Description: For the second season in a row, Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka led the NBA in blocked shots (3.0 bpg in 2012-13).
Insight: He came on strong late in the season (3.2 bpg post All-Star break) and was finally able to pass Milwaukee's Larry Sanders (2.8 bpg) down the stetch. Mostly known as a defensive specialist during his first three seasons in the league, Ibaka's offensive game improved immensely in 2012-13. He finished the season with new career-highs in points (13.2 ppg), field goal percentage (57.3 percent) and three-point shooting (35.1 percent success rate).
Description: Oklahoma City small forward Kevin Durant won't compete for the scoring title Wednesday night in the season finale.
Insight: It's Durant's first absence of the season. He would have needed 70 points to surpass Carmelo Anthony (28.7 ppg) for the league scoring crown. This ends Durant's three-year reign as the NBA's top scorer.
Description: Thunder coach Scott Brooks said that Russell Westbrook might play only 6-10 minutes Wednesday against Milwaukee in the regular season finale. SOURCE: Darnell Mayberry, The Oklahoman
Insight: Westbrook will start and extend his streak of games played to 394, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect much from him, or any other Thunder starter for that matter. OKC already has the No. 1 seed locked up. Westbrook is averaging 23.4 points, 7.5 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 threes per game and is an absolute fantasy stud.
Description: Thunder center Kendrick Perkins won't be in action Monday against Sacramento. He's out with a bum hamstring.
Insight: Perkins sat out Friday for the same reason. Perkins is a strong defensive player but he's never been much of a stat stuffer (6.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg in 614 career games).
Description: Thunder guard Kevin Martin (back) will miss Monday's game against Sacramento.
Insight: Martin (14.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.4 apg) had 23 points against Golden State on Thursday night so we suspect this is just getting everyone to 100 percent health for the playoff run.
Description: Thunder guard Russell Westbrook blew up for 37 points Sunday in a loss to the Knicks.
Insight: This one was a fantasy masterpiece. Westbrook entered the day shooting just 43.6 percent for the season but he was actually pretty accurate on Sunday (15-for-27 from the field). He was also active on the glass (11 boards) and relatively generous with the basketball (eight assists). Often turnover-prone, Westbrook turned the ball over just once in 34 minutes Sunday against New York. Westbrook's next game is scheduled for Tuesday night in Utah.
Description: Thunder forward Serge Ibaka continued his shot blocking binge with eight rejections Saturday versus Milwaukee.
Insight: He's averaging an absurd 5.4 blocks per game in his last five contests. He's scored in double-digits in four of those five games (12.6 ppg during the streak).
Description: Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook posted his sixth career triple-double Saturday in a victory over Milwaukee.
Insight: Westbrook finished with 23 points, 13 boards and 10 assists. Saturday was just Westbrook's second double-digit assist game of the month. He's averaging 23.5 ppg, 6.4 assists and 5.6 rpg for the month of March.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant had 36 points Friday against Minnesota.
Insight: That's his fourth 30-point game in his last seven games. His scoring has slipped to 25.9 since the All-Star break due to poor shooting from the 3-point line (.348). He averaged 29.2 ppg while making 42.7 percent of his threes prior to the All-Star break.
Description: Bobcats forward Byron Mullens re-emerged with 25 points on 7-of-11 shooting (3-4 3PT, 8-12 FT), five rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks Wednesday against the Raptors.
Insight: Mullens has played 29 mpg over the last two games after barely breaking a sweat in the previous seven. He still doesn't have his starting job back but he has re-established some of his fantasy value in a hurry.
Description: Oklahoma City power forward Serge Ibaka (eye) will play Wednesday against the Grizzlies, according to Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman.
Insight: Ibaka took an elbow to the head from a teammate Tuesday and was questionable for Wednesday's game. He is averaging 13.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 2.9 blocks per contest and leads the league with 192 blocks.
Description: Oklahoma City power forward Serge Ibaka is questionable for Wednesday's game against Memphis after taking an elbow to the head from teammate Reggie Jackson on Tuesday.
Insight: Ibaka is averaging 13.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 2.9 blocks per contest. He leads the league in blocks with 192.
Description: OKC power forward Serge Ibaka had an 18-16 double-double with three blocks Sunday versus Dallas.
Insight: Ibaka, Larry Sanders and Roy Hibbert are the only three players in the NBA with more than 170 blocks this season. Ibaka has the most with 189, but Sanders is has a higher per game average.
Description: Thunder guard Russell Westbrook had 35 points (13-23 FG, 9-9 FT) with six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block Sunday at Dallas.
Insight: Westbrook has increased his scoring in each of the previous three months after starting with 20.8 in November. He averaged 25.5 ppg in February, and while he has some work to do to get above that for March, Sunday's effort brought him to 25.3 ppg for this month.
Description: Bobcats forward Byron Mullens (back) will be a game-time decision Friday against the Raptors, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
Insight: Even if he plays he is no longer a fantasy option. Mullens recently lost his starting job to Josh McRoberts and hasn't played more than 19:29 in any of his last six games.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant continued his recent sloppy play by committing eight turnovers Wednesday in a win over Utah.
Insight: He still managed 23 points and 10 assists but Durant's high turnover rate recently is something that needs to be addressed. Yes, star players do tend to turn the ball over more than regular players but 25 turnovers in a span of five games? That's just unacceptable. You're better than that, KD.
Description: Bobcats forward/center Byron Mullens was benched Saturday and only played five minutes.
Insight: Meanwhile, Josh McRoberts started at power forward and fouled out in 22 minutes of play. Mullens came into Saturday's game averaging 15 minutes per game in March.
Description: OKC point guard Russell Westbrook had a quiet night Friday against Charlotte (11 points in 25 minutes).
Insight: The outcome was never in doubt, which gave head coach Scott Brooks a chance to rest some of his starters in the second half. Westbrook should see his usual allotment of minutes Sunday against the surging Celtics.
Description: The NBA has rescinded Thunder forward Kevin Durant's technical foul from Tuesday against the Lakers, leaving him four shy of the automic one-game suspension. SOURCE: Royce Young, CBSSports.com
Insight: NBA players receive a one-game suspension after their 16th technical foul so Durant getting one back could be huge down the stretch for fantasy owners.
Description: Bobcats forward/center Byron Mullens (knee) will play Wednesday against the Nets, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
Insight: Mullens left Monday's game after just three minutes. The big man was impressive in February with averages of 14.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg and 1.5 3pt in 11 games but he'll probably be limited Wednesday.
Description: Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka won't be suspended for hitting Los Angeles' Blake Griffin in the groin, though he did incur a fine of $25,000. SOURCE: Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated
Insight: Ibaka received a flagrant foul for the action but wasn't ejected from the game. That he avoided a suspension is good news for fantasy owners since Ibaka is averaging 15 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 blocks over his last six games.
Description: Bobcats forward/center Byron Mullens left Monday's game after just three minutes with a knee injury and did not return. Think of him as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Nets.
Insight: Mullens missed nearly seven weeks with an ankle sprain, but doesn't think this knee injury is that serious. Given that the Bobcats aren't in the playoff hunt, the team is likely to be very conservative with their play-or-sit decision.
Description: Thunder guard Russell Westbrook had 29 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal while making 11-of-20 from the field and 7-of-10 from the foul line Sunday against the Clippers.
Insight: Westbrook is averaging 28.4 ppg and shooting better than 50 percent from the field during a string of nine straight games with at least 22 points. He's also averaging 26.1 points over his last 22 games.
Description: Kevin Durant only needed 27 minutes to record his third triple-double of the season Wednesday against New Orleans.
Insight: Durant piled on 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as the Thunder won in dominating fashion, 119-74. Durant has scored fewer than 20 points in three out of his last four games but he's made up for it by averaging 11.5 rpg and 8.5 apg over that span.
Description: Veteran point guard Derek Fisher has signed on to play with Oklahoma City for the rest of the season.
Insight: Fisher last surfaced with Dallas, playing in just nine games before asking for his release. Russell Westbrook will still see the majority of the playing time at point guard so we don't envision Fisher having much fantasy success with the Thunder.
Description: Oklahoma City center Kendrick Perkins will suit up Friday night against the Timberwolves. Perkins sat out Wednesday because of a sore knee.
Insight: Perkins (4.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg) isn't a fantasy behemoth by any means but he's a decent enough rebounder and could be worth a look in deeper leagues.
Description: Thunder center Kendrick Perkins missed Wednesday's game against Houston due to a sprained right knee, but participated in Friday morning's shootaround and will be a game-time decision.
Insight: Perkins is a better player in the real world than the fantasy world as his defense doesn't translate. He averages 4.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 1.2 bpg for the Thunder.
Description: Kevin Durant notched his second career triple-double Wednesday in a loss to Houston.
Insight: Durant's 12 rebounds and 11 assists were impressive but his 4-of-13 shooting wasn't. Neither were his five turnovers. Wednesday's loss was the Thunder's third in a row and the 16 points were Durant's fewest since November 6th against Toronto.
Description: With Kevin Durant having an off night (16 points on 4-of-13 shooting), Thunder shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha stepped up by delivering a season-high 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting.
Insight: Sefolosha was 6-of-10 from downtown. After not reaching the 20-point threshold in his first 49 games of the season, Sefolosha (7.7 ppg) has now scored 20 or more in two of his last four games.
Description: Hasheem Thabeet will start at center for the Thunder Wednesday night in Houston.
Insight: Wednesday will be Thabeet's first start of the season. Thabeet's massive height advantage (he's the tallest player in the NBA at 7-foot-3) makes him a decent shot blocker but his offensive game (just 2.5 ppg this season) isn't developed enough for him to be considered a realistic fantasy option. The former UConn star will head back to the bench as soon as Kendrick Perkins (4.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg) recovers from his knee injury.
Description: Thunder center Kendrick Perkins will miss Wednesday's game against Houston due to a sprained right knee.
Insight: Perkins is a better player in the real world than the fantasy world as his defense doesn't translate. He averages 4.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 1.2 bpg for the Thunder.
Description: Bobcats forward/center Byron Mullens is averaging 19.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.8 threes over his last six games. He had 20 points and 12 boards Tuesday night.
Insight: Mullens missed nearly seven weeks with an ankle sprain but he has been on fire since returning on Feb. 6. Mullens had solid averages prior to the injury but he was shooting just 37.1 percent and hadn't displayed the ability to shoot well in this many consecutive games.
Description: Oklahoma City small forward Kevin Durant led the league in scoring (29.2 ppg) and free throw shooting (90.7 percent) during the first half of the 2012-13 NBA season.
Insight: Most years that kind of production would make you the favorite for NBA MVP. Durant actually was the favorite for MVP earlier in the season but LeBron James has just been unstoppable over the last month (31.5 ppg, 66.9 percent field goal percentage).
Description: Oklahoma Thunder guard Kevin Martin (flu) will play Tuesday after missing Sunday's game. SOURCE: Darnell Mayberry, The Oklahoman
Insight: Martin is a decent scorer (15.3 ppg) who helps fantasy owners primarily in the three-point shooting categories averaging 2.3 per game on 44-percent shooting. He also provides a steal per game and one of the best free-throw percentages in the NBA at .902.
Description: Bobcats forward/center Byron Mullens produced a game-high 25 points Monday in a victory over Boston.
Insight: Mullens also pulled down a season-high 18 rebounds in the win. He's looked excellent since coming back from an ankle injury earlier this month (17.6 ppg, 9.8 rpg in his last five contests).
Description: Oklahoma Thunder guard Kevin Martin missed Sunday's game and is questionable for Tuesday's game against Utah due to flu-like symptoms.
Insight: Martin is a decent scorer (15.3 ppg) who helps fantasy owners primarily in the three-point shooting categories averaging 2.3 per game on 44-percent shooting.
Description: Thunder shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha is putting up 19 ppg over his last two contests.
Insight: Sefolosha isn't a big scorer so you have to be thrilled with his recent production. Enjoy it while it lasts, he'll soon return to his 7.4 ppg when Kevin Martin gets back in the lineup.
Description: Thunder guard Kevin Martin scored 21 points with three triples, four assists and two steals Wednesday night against the Warriors.
Insight: Martin has provided complementary scoring to Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook all season. His points, steals, threes and free-throw percentage are all useful to fantasy owners.
Description: Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka had a strong night Wednesday against the Warriors: 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists and six blocks.
Insight: The four assists are actually a season high; Ibaka now has 26 dimes on the season. Ibaka's blocks are down from 3.7 to 2.9, but he has taken on a greater role with scoring and rebounding this season while improving his free-throw percentage.
Description: Charlotte center Byron Mullens had 15 points and seven rebounds in just 17 minutes off the bench Wednesday night versus Cleveland.
Insight: Mullens made three triples on five attempts after making two in his first game back following a severe ankle sprain. He should eventually return to the starting lineup, where he was averaging nearly 32 minutes per game.
Description: Thunder star forward Kevin Durant is dealing with sore ribs, but is expected to be in the lineup on Monday.
Insight: Durant (29.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.6 spg, 1.2 bpg, 1.9 threes) has few peers so obviously as long as he's on the court, he should be in every fantasy lineup.
Description: Charlotte center Byron Mullens (ankle) is targeting Monday against Miami for his return to the lineup, but will have his minutes limited.
Insight: Mullens can provide some rebounds, threes, steals and blocks for big-men needy fantasy teams when he gets back to playing 30 minutes per game. For now, keep him on your bench as he works his way back to that level.
Description: Charlotte center Byron Mullens (ankle) is targeting Monday against Miami for his return to the lineup. SOURCE: Rick Bonnell, Charlotte Observer
Insight: Mullens can provide some rebounds, threes, steals and blocks for big-men needy fantasy teams when he gets back in the lineup from a severely sprained ankle.
Description: Charlotte center Byron Mullens is out for Saturday's game against Houston. Mullens is still recovering from a sprained left ankle.
Insight: Mullens was hoping to make his return tonight but now it looks like that won't happen until Monday against the Heat. In 27 games for the last-place Bobcats, he's averaging a career-high 11.6 ppg and 7.8 rpg
Description: Bobcats PF Byron Mullens (ankle) will be a game-time decision Saturday against the Rockets.
Insight: Mullens was averaging 11.6 points, 7.8 boards and 1.4 threes with nearly a steal and a block per game before severely spraining his ankle in December so he's worth grabbing if he's a free agent in your league.
Description: Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka took the night off offensively (four points on 2-of-3 shooting) Thursday against Memphis but he made up for it by swatting away six shots.
Insight: That breaks a streak of six consecutive double-digit point games for the 23-year-old. The six blocks are the most Ibaka has had in a game since November 30th against Utah (season-high seven rejections).
Description: Bobcats PF Byron Mullens (ankle) is hoping to make his return from a severely sprained ankle during the team's upcoming five-game road trip that starts Monday, but admits he's not close to being in "game shape," according to a Charlotte Observer report.
Insight: Mullens was averaging 11.6 points, 7.8 boards and 1.4 threes with nearly a steal and a block per game so he's worth grabbing and stashing on your roster if he's a free agent in your league.
Description: Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook made up for a dismal shooting performance (6-for-22) Sunday against the Lakers by collecting nine rebounds and dishing out 13 assists.
Insight: Westbrook has shot only 28.6 percent from the field in his past three games. That hasn't stopped Westbrook from shooting though: he's averaging 18.7 field goal attempts per game during the slump. The shots will start falling for Westbrook eventually so fantasy owners shouldn't press the panic button.
Description: In 43 minutes Sunday against the Lakers, Thunder forward Kevin Durant produced 35 points on 10-of-26 shooting.
Insight: Durant only had two rebounds, his lowest total since December 29th against Houston. Durant was shaky from the field but was excellent from the charity stripe, knocking in 13 of his 14 free throw attempts. He's shooting a career high 91.2 percent from that distance this season.
Description: Bobcats PF Byron Mullens (ankle) could make his return from a sprained ankle during the team's upcoming five-game road trip that starts Monday. SOURCE: Rick Bonnell, Charlotte Observer
Insight: Mullens is averaging 11.6 points, 7.8 boards and 1.4 threes with nearly a steal and a block per game so he's worth grabbing if someone let him go.
Description: Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook rolled his left ankle after landing on Serge Ibaka's foot during Sunday's game and jogged to the locker room shortly after. However, he was available to start the third quarter.
Insight: Westbrook tried to walk it off and stayed on the court until Ibaka's first free throw before heading off the court directly to the locker room. Westbrook has never missed a game in his NBA career.
Description: To the surprise of no one, Thunder forward Kevin Durant has been selected as a starter for the Western Conference in next month's All-Star Game.
Insight: Some worried that losing James Harden would sink Oklahoma City's title hopes. Instead, Durant has completely dominated while leading the Thunder to the best record in the NBA. This could be the year Durant (28.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg) finally gets out from under the shadow of LeBron James and wins his first MVP award.
Description: Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka will return to the starting lineup Wednesday against Denver. Ibaka missed a pair of games earlier this week while dealing with a bruised chest.
Insight: Ibaka has been a stud on the boards all season (8.4 rpg). He's also among the game's best shot blockers (2.8 bpg, second in the NBA).
Description: Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (chest contusion) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Denver. He'll be a game-time decision.
Insight: Ibaka (14.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.8 bpg) missed his first game of the season on Sunday. Unless this is a more serious issue, Ibaka should be able to return Wednesday.
Description: Bobcats PF Byron Mullens (ankle) is still without a timetable but he has been cleared to do some light running and start shooting. SOURCE: Rick Bonnell, Charlotte Observer
Insight: Mullens is averaging 11.6 points, 7.8 boards and 1.4 threes with nearly a steal and a block per game. Coach Mike Dunlap indicated the the power forward tore at least one ligament in his ankle. Hakim Warrick is averaging 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in eight starts in place of Mullens.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant blew up for 41 points on 15-of-30 shooting with five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two threes Monday against the Suns.
Insight: Durant is fantasy's best player, plain and simple. He is the only player in the league who is a monster in eight categories (28.9 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4.2 ast, 1.5 stl, 1.3 blk, 1.8 3pt, .524/.902 shooting percentages).
Description: Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook dumped in 36 points on 14-of-24 shooting with eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and just one turnover Monday at Phoenix.
Insight: Westbrook is averaging 24.6 ppg in January after turning in 20.8 ppg in November and 22.5 in December. He has only turned the ball over 10 times in his last five games.
Description: Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (chest contusion) won't play Monday at Phoenix.
Insight: Ibaka (14.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.8 bpg) missed his first game of the season on Sunday. Unless this is a more serious issue, Ibaka should be able to return Wednesday.
Description: Thunder shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha (neck) will play Monday against the Suns.
Insight: Sefolosha missed Sunday's game with a sore neck. Despite averaging just 7.5 ppg this season, the guard is ranked inside the top 75 overall in Yahoo! leagues due to his contributions in 3-point shooting (1.3 treys per game), steals (1.1), rebounds (4.0), blocks (0.6), turnovers (0.8) and foul shooting (.893).
Description: Thunder shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha is questionable for Monday's game against Phoenix due to a sore neck. He missed Sunday's game against Portland.
Insight: Sefolosha is a good defender, but not much of a contributor to must fantasy teams while averaging just 7.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.7 apg. DeAndre Liggins got the start on Sunday and posted 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal in 39 minutes.
Description: Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka suffered a chest contusion during Friday's game against the Lakers and is questionable to play Sunday. SOURCE: Oklahoman
Insight: The Thunder blew out the Lakers Friday so they didn't have to force Ibaka back into action after the third quarter. We'll keep you posted regarding his status for Sunday's game at Portland.
Description: Thunder forward Serge Ibaka went off for 26 points on 12-of-17 shooting Monday in a loss to Washington.
Insight: That's a season-high for Ibaka. We always knew Ibaka was a talented shot blocker (2.9 bpg) and rebounder (8.5 rpg). Ibaka's newly-found scoring touch (career-high 14.4 ppg) is an added bonus for fantasy owners.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant didn't need to be extraordinary in OKC's 104-92 win over Toronto. He scored just 22 points, adding seven rebound and seven assist.
Insight: The superstar is averaging 28.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.3 blocks this season and is one of the two best players in the NBA, but the Thunder used balance scoring to down the Raptors.
Description: Bobcats PF Byron Mullens (sprained ankle) has shed his walking boot two weeks after severely spraining his left ankle but is still without a timetable. SOURCE: Charlotte Observer
Insight: Mullens is averaging 11.6 points, 7.8 boards and 1.4 threes with nearly a steal and a block per game. Tyrus Thomas, who just returned from a calf injury on Friday, will presumably split power forward minutes with Hakim Warrick in the meantime.
Description: Oklahoma City guard Kevin Martin drained all four of his 3-point attempts on Friday against Philadelphia and finished with 16 points.
Insight: Martin doesn't offer much in terms of rebounding or passing but he's averaging 15.4 points on 45.2 percent shooting with 2.3 threes per game and making 92.9 percent of his free throws on 4.1 attempts per game.
Description: One game after being ejected for the first time in his career, Thunder forward Kevin Durant put up 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal in 36 minutes on Friday against the 76ers.
Insight: Durant was ejected on Wednesday against Brooklyn for arguing but wasn't tossed until late in the fourth quarter so his stats were unaffected. The superstar is averaging 31.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.9 blocks and 1.9 threes with .524/.912 shooting percentages in his last 14 games and currently ranks as the No. 1 player in Yahoo! fantasy leagues.
Description: Playing with eight stitches above his right eye on Wednesday against the Nets, Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook still scored 26 points with 10 assists and three steals.
Insight: Westbrook is averaging 24.3 ppg over his last eight games. He improved his scoring production in each of the first four months last season and appears to be following that trend again after averaging 20.8 ppg in November and 22.5 ppg in December.
Description: Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook is probable for Wednesday's game against Brooklyn. He suffered a cut above his right eye from a Luis Scola elbow on Monday.
Insight: Westbrook is a fantasy superstar averaging 21.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 8.7 apg, 2.1 spg and 1.4 threes. The bad news is that he's shooting just 38.9 percent over his last four contests, but the good news is that there is no chance he'll stop firing.
Description: Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook dropped in 28 points on 50 percent shooting (11-of-22) with eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals Saturday night.
Insight: Westbrook came into Saturday's contest having made just 34 percent of his field goal attempts in his last eight games. Fortunately, he averaged 20.5 points, 8.8 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals in that span. That's the benefit of controlling the ball as much as Westbrook does for Oklahoma City.
Description: Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook ended his Christmas game against Miami with 21 points, 11 boards and three assists.
Insight: Westbrook shot just 5-for-19 to get his points and has now shot under 40 percent in five of his last six games. He shot 45.7 percent from the field last season but is struggling at around 41 this year. He's still putting up solid numbers, but is forcing too many shots.
Description: Thunder SF Kevin Durant put up a 33-point, seven-rebound outing ... ho hum.
Insight: Another solid game from Durant, who has improved in every fantasy category except scoring this season as he becomes a more complete player. Durant was averaging 27.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg heading into this game.
Description: Thunder SF Kevin Durant may not be leading the league in scoring (Kobe Bryant is at 29.7 ppg), but he has continued to improve the rest of his game.
Insight: Durant is averaging 8.4 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg which are all career-highs. So are his .521 field-goal percentage, his .427 three-point percentage and his .904 free-throw percentage. Oh yea, he's also still scoring 27.9 ppg which isn't chopped liver. Durant and LeBron James have to be considered the two best players in the real world and the fantasy world.
Description: Oklahoma City guard Kevin Martin (bruised right quad) is probable for Tuesday's game against Miami, and expects to play after practicing on Sunday.
Insight: Martin has been productive for the Thunder, scoring 15.7 ppg on 46.9 percent shooting (including 45.8 percent from three-point distance), though he isn't James Harden.
Description: Bobcats PF Byron Mullens scored 16 points with 14 rebounds and four assists with one steal and two blocks Saturday against the Nuggets. However, he suffered a severe left ankle sprain late in the fourth quarter. SOURCE: Charlotte Observer
Insight: Mullens is averaging 11.6 points, 7.8 boards and 1.4 threes with nearly a steal and a block per game but fantasy owners might be without him for awhile. "From my eyes it's not good," Charlotte coach Mike Dunlap said about the injury. Mullens had to be carried off the court by teammates and was on crutches with his ankle heavily wrapped after the game.
Description: Oklahoma City guard Kevin Martin is questionable for Tuesday's game against Miami. He's been out with a bruised right quad.
Insight: He's no James Harden, but Martin has still been plenty productive for the Thunder, scoring 15.7 ppg on 46.9 percent shooting (including 45.8 percent from three-point distance).
Description: Thunder small forward Kevin Durant was held to just 33 points Thursday in a loss to Minnesota.
Insight: Hopefully you were able to detect the sarcasm there. Scoring 33 points would be a career-night for most players but for Durant, that's just an average day at the office.
Description: Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook finished one assist shy of a triple-double Thursday against Minnesota.
Insight: The 30 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists were nice. The 19 missed shots and eight turnovers? Not so much. Westbrook won't have a chance to redeem himself until Christmas Day's NBA Finals rematch against the Heat.
Description: Oklahoma City guard Kevin Martin isn't available for Thursday's game against Minnesota. He's out with a bruised right quad.
Insight: He's no James Harden but Kevin Martin has still been plenty productive for the Thunder, scoring 15.7 ppg on 46.9 percent shooting (including 45.8 percent from three-point distance). Thabo Sefolosha could see a season-high in minutes tonight, though his recent cold streak makes us hesitant to start him (six ppg over his last five appearances).
Description: Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant put in 41 points Wednesday against the Hawks, one for every minute he was on the floor.
Insight: That's a season-high for Durant and the fifth time in his last seven contests he's gone for over 30 points. This is the part when the crowd starts chanting "M-V-P! M-V-P!"
Description: Oklahoma City guard Kevin Martin has made 11 3-pointers over his last four games.
Insight: Martin had 20 points Monday against the Spurs and is averaging 19.8 ppg over his last four games. The key to Martin's fantasy value is his 3-point shooting (2.3 makes per game), foul shooting (.935) and lack of turnovers (1.5).
Description: Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka tied a season-high with 25 points and grabbed a season-best 17 rebounds with three blocks Monday against the Spurs.
Insight: Ibaka's fantasy value has jumped to a new level now that he's a scoring threat. He's averaging 14.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting .584/.842.
Description: Thunder small forward Kevin Durant had another big night Wednesday against New Orleans. In 44 minutes of action, Durant registered 35 points and nine rebounds to go along with two steals and three assists.
Insight: That's Durant's third 30-point game in his last four outings. He's a scoring machine and we doubt the Kings will be able to contain him in Oklahoma City's next game on Friday night.
Description: Oklahoma City guard Kevin Martin hit multiple 3-pointers Sunday for the first time since Nov. 28. He finished with 24 points with three threes but had just one assist and zero rebounds, steals or blocks.
Insight: Martin (15.8 ppg) is a strong shooter but doesn't provide much else to fantasy owners so he needs to keep hitting 2.0 3-pointers per game or more while shooting 92.6 percent from the foul line to maintain his fantasy value.
Description: Bobcats PF Byron Mullens (ankle) will play Saturday against the Spurs. SOURCE: Rick Bonnell, Charlotte Observer
Insight: Mullens injured his ankle during Friday's game and didn't return. He's averaging 12.1 points, 8.1 boards, 1.2 assists and 1.3 3-pointers per game but is shooting .381/.282/.757. He could find himself on the bench Saturday if the Bobcats fall behind the Spurs early in the game.
Description: Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant put up a game-high 36 points Friday in a victory against the Lakers.
Insight: The 24-year-old cannot be stopped. In his last five games, he's averaged 30 ppg on 56.6 percent shooting including a tremendous 53.3 percent from three-point land. The Thunder play again Sunday at home against Indiana.
Description: Houston Rockets backup center Cole Aldrich is questionable for Tuesday's game against the LA Lakers with a sprained right ankle.
Insight: Aldrich only averaged about nine minutes per game as a substitute for Omer Asik. Asik has been a pleasant surprise averaging 11.0 ppg and 12.3 rpg and may see more PT if backup Aldrich sidelined,
Description: Charlotte PF Byron Mullens recorded his first double-double since Nov. 14 Monday against the Blazers, putting up 12 points and 12 rebounds in an overtime defeat.
Insight: Mullens only shot 5-of-14; he's at 30.4 percent from the field (14-of-46) over the last four games.
Description: Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka continued the block party Friday against the Jazz, sending away seven shots to go along with 12 points and seven rebounds.
Insight: Ibaka blocked six shots Wednesday and now has 57 rejections in 17 games (3.4 bpg). He's a top-10 fantasy property.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant matched a season-high with 37 points Wednesday in a blowout win over Houston.
Insight: Durant is sizzling right now. Over his last four games, the three-time All-Star has averaged 31.2 ppg on 49.5 percent shooting. Oklahoma City has now scored at least 115 points in five of its last six games.
Description: Charlotte C/PF Byron Mullens played 46 minutes and hit 9-of-15 from the field (5-of-11 3PT) for 27 points in a double-overtime win over Washington Saturday.
Insight: Mullens badly needed this one; he came in having made just 35-of-101 (.347) from the field in his last eight games, including 6-of-29 (.207) from 3-point range.
Description: Thunder guard Russell Westbrook has handed out 58 assists over his last six games but it hasn't affected his scoring. He scored 23 or more in four of the six and 30 twice.
Insight: Westbrook scored 30 points on 11-of-23 shooting Saturday against the 76ers, his fourth straight 20-point game. He's assisting at a rate of 8.4 per game, up 2.9 from last season.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant has been getting to the foul line at an incredible rate over his last three games. He's attempted 46 foul shots in his last three games, an average of 15.3 per game.
Insight: Durant went 15-of-17 from the charity stripe Saturday against Philadelphia and hit 10-of-22 from the field for a season-high 37 points in an overtime win. It was his ninth straight game with 25-plus points.
Description: Thunder forward Serge Ibaka's offensive renaissance continued Saturday against the 76ers as he scored 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, his 12th straight double-digit scoring effort.
Insight: Including the playoffs, Ibaka played 86 games last season and failed to score in double figures in three straight games at any point. He's now done it 12 consecutive times. He's also taking 3.0 free throws per game, up from 1.8 last season, and making 88 percent of his shots from the line (66.1 percent in 2011-12).
Description: Thunder guard Russell Westbrook contributed 26 points and eight assists Friday in a loss to the Celtics.
Insight: Westbrook also grabbed seven boards. Unfortunately, he also led the team with five turnovers. OKC continues its East Coast swing with a game Saturday night in Philadelphia.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant posted a game-high 29 points Friday in a loss to Boston.
Insight: We've come to expect this type of production from Durant on a nightly basis. He's now scored at least 25 points in each of his last eight games.
Description: Oklahoma City small forward Kevin Durant produced a triple-double Sunday against Golden State.
Insight: It was the first triple-double of Durant's six-year NBA career. He's been phenomenal this season, converting on 46.9 percent of his three-point attempts while averaging a career-high 10.5 rebounds per contest. Durant and the Thunder don't play again until Wednesday. They'll host the 7-2 Clippers.
Description: Oklahoma City guard Kevin Martin swished six threes Friday night en route to a 27-point effort in 26:33 off the bench against the Hornets. Martin also posted five rebounds and four assists.
Insight: Martin only shot 1-of-4 Wednesday in his first single-digit scoring effort of the season. Friday was his second-best scoring output this season and second time he's made six threes. He's also shooting 94.5 percent from the foul line on 55 attempts.
Description: Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook's struggles continued Friday night against the Hornets. He scored just 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting (0-of-4 3PT), though he did dish out 12 assists.
Insight: Westbrook is only shooting 38.8 percent from the field this season. He's only scored 20-plus points three times in 10 games. Fortunately he's been more than adequate in other areas, averaging 4.9 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant poured in a season-high 34 points Wednesday in a loss to Memphis.
Insight: Another solid all-around effort from Durant, who also had 10 rebounds and five assists. The five turnovers weren't great but that's to be expected when you have the ball in your hands as much as Durant does. Oklahoma City's next game is Friday in New Orleans.
Description: Thunder forward Serge Ibaka scored in double figures for the fifth straight game Sunday against Cleveland. He had 14 points, seven rebounds and a season-high seven blocks.
Insight: Including the playoffs, Ibaka played 86 games last season and failed to score in double figures three straight times at any point. His jumper has improved exponentially and he's expanded his range to the 3-point line this season. He's also averaging more than three shot attempts more than last season and shooting 90.5 percent from the foul line (70.6 career percentage). Since he's still getting his three-plus blocks per game, Ibaka is one of fantasy's top players.
Description: Oklahoma City small forward Kevin Durant registered 25 points and 13 rebounds Friday in a win versus Detroit.
Insight: Durant's scoring is down from last year (22 ppg compared to 28 ppg in 2011-12) but his rebounding numbers are up (11 boards per game versus eight rpg last season). Durant and the Thunder will be back in action Sunday against Cleveland.
Description: Thunder forward Serge Ibaka shredded the Pistons for 25 points and seven rebounds Friday night in Oklahoma City.
Insight: Ibaka's scoring totals have increased in every game this season. James Harden's departure has allowed the 23-year-old to become much more involved in the Thunder offense, an added bonus for fantasy owners who drafted Ibaka purely for his tremendous shot-blocking ability (2.7 bpg).
Description: Charlotte C/PF Byron Mullens has scored in double figures in each of the last two games, including a 24-point effort with eight rebounds and six 3-pointers Wednesday against the Suns.
Insight: Mullens is the rare 7-footer with outside shooting ability. He's already attempted 24 threes in three games this season and is averaging 15.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Description: The man he was traded for, James Harden, may be getting all the press but Kevin Martin has played well in his first two games with the Thunder.
Insight: Martin has played 31 minutes per game off the bench and averaged 17 ppg with three 3-pointers per contest. He's also 10-for-10 from the foul line this season.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant played a team-high 43 minutes Friday and scored 23 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 8-of-12 free-throw shooting and 17 rebounds.
Insight: Durant also dished out seven assists and blocked two shots. The forward is averaging 15.5 rebounds in the first two games; he set a career high with 8.0 last season and is still just 24 years old so he's likely still improving.
Description: Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook didn't stop shooting Friday after struggling in the season opener. Westbrook scored 32 points on 13-of-24 shooting with six assists and five rebounds against the Trailblazers.
Insight: Westbrook shot 6-of-21 for 18 points Thursday. At least fantasy owners know the guard will never lose confidence.
Description: Rookie Jeremy Lamb will be heading to the Thunder as part of a trade for James Harden. The Rockets also sent Kevin Martin to Oklahoma City.
Insight: Lamb's fantasy value took a big hit with this trade. With Houston, the guard could have carved out a nice role for himself right away but he's not guaranteed minutes on the title contending Thunder.
Description: The Thunder have acquired guard Kevin Martin, rookie Jeremy Lamb and draft picks in exchange for a package that includes James Harden.
Insight: This may put Martin in a better position to win an NBA Championship but we don't like what it does for his fantasy value. He's unlikely to be more than a role player on Oklahoma City instead of the potential centerpiece of Houston's offense. The guard is still worth owning because of his 3-point shooting and high free-throw percentage but you should move him down your draft boards.
Description: Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook took Tuesday night off as the team gets ready for the start of the season.
Insight: Westbrook averaged 23.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 5.5 apg last season. Almost as important, he hasn't missed a Thunder game in three seasons. Top-notch statistics and iron-man reliability makes Westbrook a fantasy stud.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant had Tuesday night off. No injury, just a planned off day with the season only a week away.
Insight: Durant will once again battle with LeBron James for the top spot in fantasy drafts. You can't go wrong with either player as Durant averaged 28 ppg, 8 rpg and 3.5 apg last season.
Description: OKC guard James Harden's Tuesday shooting performance was ugly as he went 2-for-17 with seven rebounds and seven assists.
Insight: The most important issue to take from this game is that Harden played almost 38 minutes so he is obviously healthy after dealing with a groin injury earlier in the preseason. The shooting will return and he will be a fantasy stud as always.
Description: Thunder rookie Perry Jones III had another solid game off the bench in Tuesday's preseason matchup with the Bulls. Jones scored 14 points on 7-of-14 shooting and had four rebounds.
Insight: Jones has had games of 14, 17 and 14 points in recent preseason action. The 6-foot-11 forward likely won't receive enough minutes to warrant a fantasy selection but he certainly should be kept on the radar.
Description: Thunder forward Serge Ibaka led the team with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting in Tuesday's preseason game versus Chicago, though stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook didn't play. Ibaka also had eight rebounds and two blocks.
Insight: Ibaka has displayed 3-point range this preseason after attempting just six from that distance in his career. He drilled two 3-pointers in Oklahoma City's last preseason game and one Tuesday. If he can add a strong offensive game to go with his shot-blocking and rebounding, Ibaka could be a top-15 fantasy option.
Description: According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, James Harden is still not close to re-signing with the Thunder.
Insight: The Thunder have until Oct. 31 to sign Harden to an extension. If they can't come to an agreement, Harden will become a restricted free agent next summer. Oklahoma City has already handed long-term extension to Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, so there might not be enough money left to give Harden the extension he's looking for.
Description: ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports thats Heat forward LeBron James and Thunder forward Kevin Durant have been training together near James' hometown in Akron, Ohio.
Insight: Though the two opposed each other in last year's NBA Finals, James and Durant have developed a friendship over the years and bonded during their time as teammates during the Olympics. The duo also trained together last summer during the lockout. Look for them to be the two most dynamic players in fantasy during the 2012-13 campaign.
Description: 2012-13 may be guard James Harden's final season with the Thunder now that the team has agreed to a four-year contract extension with Serge Ibaka.
Insight: Harden had a fantastic season en route to a Sixth Man of the Year Award, but the team may not have enough money to sign him. He'll have to prove how indispensable he is this season, which could bode well for fantasy owners.
Description: According to Yahoo! Sports, Serge Ibaka and the Thunder have agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension.
Insight: Ibaka is a fantasy star due to the lack of shot blockers across the league. He led the league with 3.7 blocks per game, 1.5 more per game than second-place Javale McGee's 2.2.
Description: Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant capped off the 2012 summer games with 30 points on 8-of-18 shooting as Team USA won its second straight gold medal Sunday in London.
Insight: Durant (19.5 ppg) scored 156 points during the tournament, the most ever for an American during Olympic play. Prior to Durant, the previous record holder had been Spencer Haywood, who contributed 145 points during the 1968 Olympics as a member of the United States' gold medal squad.
Description: Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook will play for the United States Sunday in the Olympic gold medal game versus Spain. Westbrook suffered a sprained ankle in the fourth quarter of America's win Friday against Argentina.
Insight: Westbrook has averaged 9.3 ppg in 14.4 minutes per contest during Team USA's Olympic run.
Description: Thunder forward Kevin Durant scored a game-high 22 points Sunday in Team USA's Olympic opener against France.
Insight: Durant went 3-for-5 from beyond the arc and nailed all seven of his free throw attempts in the winning effort. The reigning NBA scoring champ also notched a team-high nine rebounds. Team USA's next test will come Tuesday against Tunisia.
Description: Despite coming off the bench, Thunder forward Kevin Durant was Team USA's leading scorer with 24 points Thursday in a 113-59 win over the Dominican Republic.
Insight: This was just a tuneup for the Americans as the Olympics don't begin for another two weeks. Durant was on fire against the D.R., nailing nine of his 11 field goal attempts including an incredible five makes in six tries from behind the three-point line. Perhaps coach Mike Krzyzewski will have to move Durant into the starting five if he keeps playing like this. If he does, Durant would likely replace Carmelo Anthony, who drew the start alongside Kobe Bryant, Tyson Chandler, LeBron James and Chris Paul Thursday night in Las Vegas.
Description: Thunder center Kendrick Perkins had groin surgery on Thursday. He'll need three to four weeks to recover.
Insight: Perkins is mostly known for his prowess on the defensive end and can mostly be ignored in fantasy. He averaged 5.1 ppg and 6.6 rpg as Oklahoma City's starting center last season.
Description: Baylor forward Perry Jones III was considered a top-10 talent but somehow he slipped all the way to Oklahoma City with the 28th pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft.
Insight: Jones put up 14 ppg and 7.7 rpg during his sophomore campaign at Baylor and was considered a top-tier power forward before knee problems began to scare teams away. Jones' fantasy value isn't great given that he'll be behind Serge Ibaka on the Thunder's depth chart at power forward, but if his knees hold up, Jones could be a solid fantasy producer for Oklahoma City in a couple of years.
Description: Thunder guard James Harden's name has been circulating in trade rumors revolving around Florida guard Bradley Beal, who is expected to be one of the top picks in Thursday night's NBA Draft.
Insight: It seems unlikely that Oklahoma City would part with Harden (16.8 ppg), a key piece on a team that just won a Western Conference title, but the Thunder are said to be very interested in trading up in the draft for Beal, a player scouts have compared to a young Ray Allen. The NBA Sixth Man of the Year probably isn't going anywhere but draft night can get a little crazy so you never know. We'll keep you posted.
Description: Thunder guard James Harden has no intentions of leaving Oklahoma City and says he plans on signing a contract extension with the team later this summer.
Insight: Harden won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award this past season while posting the highest scoring average of his career (16.8 ppg) but he was ineffective when his team needed him most against the Heat in the NBA Finals (just 12.4 ppg in the series).
Description: Thunder guard James Harden left Wednesday's practice with a heavily taped left wrist.
Insight: Harden has struggled mightily against Miami in the Finals (10.8 ppg on 35.1 percent shooting) and perhaps his wrist has something to do with his poor performance. If Harden doesn't play well in Game 5 on Thursday night, it may be the last game he plays in this season.
