Aaron Wiggins

Friday's game will be the third that Caruso has missed since suffering a right quad contusion. While his absence does not affect the starting lineup, it does free up additional minutes for multiple wings, including Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.

Wiggins has not appeared in a game since November 5, leaving the Thunder down an option on the bench. Isaiah Joe has taken on added importance, having hit double figures in three of his last four games. If Oklahoma City is also without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Wednesday, Joe will be worth the add.

Wiggins has not played since November 5, but the Thunder have not provided a timeline for his return. With Jalen Williams also out, there have been additional minutes available to Ajay Mitchell and Isaiah Joe. Of the two, Mitchell is the player whom managers should prioritize on the waiver wire.

Wiggins will miss a fifth straight game, which means additional opportunities should be available for Isaiah Joe and Ajay Mitchell. Mitchell has been starting with Lu Dort (shoulder) sidelined, and even if Dort returns, Mitchell should continue to see meaningful minutes off the bench. Joe's minutes figure to take the biggest hit when Dort returns, even if Wiggins remains out.