29 articles
OKC • Guard • #9
4 days ago
Caruso sat out the second leg of OKC’s back-to-back on Wednesday, but he’ll be back against Sacramento. He’ll occupy his typical role off the bench, which should push Ousmane Dieng out of the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
5 days ago
Wednesday’s game is the second in as many nights for the Thunder, who took care of the Clippers on Tuesday. As a result, some rotation players, including Caruso, will not play. His absence may lead to legitimate rotation minutes for Brooks Barnhizer and Chris Youngblood, who are both on two-way contracts. Neither is a streaming candidate on an 11-game slate.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
13 days ago
Caruso hasn’t played since the season opener, but he’ll make his return at an opportune time. With Chet Holmgren sidelined alongside Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe, the Thunder could lean more heavily on Caruso against Sacramento.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
15 days ago
Monday’s game will be Caruso’s third missed game due to the league’s concussion protocol. Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell have added importance in this spot, and both are worth the risk as streamers in deeper fantasy leagues. Wiggins played 27 minutes off the bench in Saturday’s win over the Hawks, with Mitchell playing 29.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
17 days ago
Caruso is still in the league’s concussion protocol, so he will miss a second straight game. Cason Wallace (knee), Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell should all take on extra minutes with Caruso sidelined once again. Wallace missed the Thunder’s last game, which allowed Wiggins to start in his place.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
19 days ago
According to the Thunder, Caruso suffered a concussion during Tuesday’s double-overtime win over the Rockets. The veteran guard played 30 minutes off the bench and replaced Isaiah Hartenstein in the lineup to begin the second half. Caruso’s absence means more opportunities for Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell, especially if Jalen Williams (wrist) remains out.
Source: Clemente Almanza
OKC • Guard • #9
20 days ago
With the Thunder struggling to defend Alperen Şengün during the first half of Tuesday’s season opener, head coach Mark Daigneault shifted to the approach that worked well in his team’s Game 7 win over the Nuggets in the second round of last year’s playoffs. He called on Caruso to start the third quarter, with Isaiah Hartenstein (6/9/5/1 in 37 minutes) being pushed to the bench. Şengün continued to put up numbers, but Caruso’s insertion into the lineup helped slow the Rockets. And given his recent injury history, Caruso’s playing 30 minutes on Tuesday may be the biggest takeaway for fantasy managers.
OKC • Guard • #9
about 1 month ago
Caruso played 18 minutes in his first preseason action, using efficient shooting to finish as one of five Thunder players to score in double figures. He recorded a couple of stocks as well and had a positive impact during his time on the court. At full strength, Caruso will likely return to a reserve role for OKC, but should again play an important role for the defending champions throughout the season.
OKC • Guard • #9
5 months ago
Caruso has had some big games in this series, but Thursday was not one of them. He was held scoreless and didn’t contribute much else in the box score. Of course, his defense is always valuable, but it wasn’t enough to slow down Indiana. What was noteworthy was that Caruso started the second half in place of Isaiah Hartenstein. The Thunder were down 22 points at halftime, so this could’ve been Mark Daigneault trying to create a spark. Caruso will likely return to a reserve role on Sunday for Game 7, but the situation is worth monitoring.
OKC • Guard • #9
5 months ago
While he may not be one of the marquee names in these NBA Finals, it’s fair to wonder where the Thunder would be without Caruso. He’s scored 20 points in both of Oklahoma City’s victories, and Friday’s offensive effort was supplemented by five steals and a blocked shot on the other end of the floor. While Isaiah Hartenstein (two points, six rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes) returned to the starting lineup with Cason Wallace (two points, three rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes) being bumped to the bench, Caruso was still the preferred option as Oklahoma City mounted its fourth-quarter rally. Caruso played 32 and 30 minutes in Games 3 and 4, and the Thunder may need him to continue shouldering that caliber of workload to win this series.
OKC • Guard • #9
5 months ago
Caruso has been Oklahoma City’s most productive reserve in the NBA Finals, which makes some sense due to him being the lone player on the roster with a championship ring. After recording 11 points and a complete stat line in Game 1, Caruso was more lethal as a scorer in Game 2. A double-digit score in three of his last four appearances, the 20 points are the most Caruso has tallied in a game since Game 1 of the Thunder’s second-round series against Denver. Given the matchup, he should continue to hit the high-20s in minutes, which raises Caruso’s ceiling on both ends of the floor. Game 3 is on Wednesday in Indianapolis.
OKC • Guard • #9
5 months ago
Unsurprisingly, Caruso had his hands all over this game. This is why they traded for him. He was able to make an impact on both ends of the floor, and his 28 minutes were the most of any bench player and more than Chet Holmgren. Clearly, Caruso is going to be a big factor in this series for OKC. He’ll continue to make plays on both offense and defense for the remainder of the series, just as he has throughout the playoffs thus far.
OKC • Guard • #9
6 months ago
Caruso was one of the “game changers” in Game 7, as the decision to have him defend Nikola Jokic shifted momentum in Oklahoma City’s favor. The veteran guard did not record any rebounds, but he made the most of his scoring opportunities and was responsible for three steals. How the Thunder use Caruso in the Western Conference Finals remains to be seen, but he’ll have a crucial role off the bench. The Thunder host Minnesota in Game 1 on Tuesday.
OKC • Guard • #9
6 months ago
After scoring 13 points or less in all four games of Oklahoma City’s first-round series, Caruso hit the ground running in Round 2. His improved production did not result in a victory for the home team, but Caruso shooting 5-of-9 from three was an encouraging development. Against the Grizzlies, he shot 5-of-13 from beyond the arc. Add in the overall stat line, and this may be a series in which Caruso can have an added impact on both ends of the floor. Game 2 is on Wednesday night, with the Thunder needing a win to even the series.
OKC • Guard • #9
7 months ago
Caruso’s stat line may not jump off the page, but his play was critical in Thursday’s Game 3 victory. Acquired from the Bulls last summer for games like this, the veteran guard was highly impactful defensively as Oklahoma City rallied from a 29-point deficit. Additionally, the Thunder employed a closing lineup that included Caruso and Luguentz Dort (two points, six rebounds, one steal, and one blocked shot), which made life difficult for a Grizzlies squad that played the second half without Ja Morant due to a hip injury. Oklahoma City will look to close out the series on Saturday.
OKC • Guard • #9
7 months ago
After offering minimal value in 12 minutes off the bench in Game 1, Caruso was far more impactful on Tuesday. He led all reserves in scoring, with Oklahoma City’s bench outscoring their Grizzlies counterparts by a 33-14 margin. Caruso also tallied four defensive contributions after failing to produce any steals or blocks in the series opener. Caruso’s play may not be a significant storyline in this series, but his ability to provide value on both ends of the floor gives Oklahoma City’s bench a decided advantage. Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday in Memphis, with the Thunder aiming to take a 3-0 series lead.
OKC • Guard • #9
7 months ago
Sunday’s game will be the second straight missed by Caruso and the third for Wallace. Oklahoma City already secured home-court advantage throughout the NBA Playoffs, so most of their rotation players will be inactive on Sunday. The absence of Caruso and Wallace means players like Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Adam Flagler will play plenty on Sunday. Joe and Wiggins are the players to target in active leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
7 months ago
Caruso and Williams have been downgraded from questionable to out, leaving the Thunder without two key reserves. Multiple players, including Cason Wallace and Kenrich Williams, will absorb their minutes. Wallace is worth streaming in deep leagues, while managers can afford to leave Williams on the waiver wire.
Source: Brandon Rahbar
OKC • Guard • #9
7 months ago
Caruso and Williams have been relatively health as of late off the pine. Cason Wallace and Kenrich Williams could play more important bench roles than usual if the aforementioned players can’t suit up.
OKC • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Caruso left Thursday’s game against the Grizzlies early with a back injury that he’s been dealing with all season. The 31-year-old shooting guard was at shootaround and is available Saturday where he’ll resume his customary reserve role.
OKC • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Both Caruso and Williams were listed as questionable after exiting early from Thursday’s win over Memphis. Participating in shootaround isn’t a guarantee that they will play, but it is a good sign. Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Joe would be in line for extra minutes if Caruso and Williams are sidelined, with Joe offering more fantasy upside.
Source: Clemente Almanza
OKC • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Caruso and Williams exited Thursday’s win over the Grizzlies prematurely, and these injuries have been an issue in the past. With Aaron Wiggins (Achilles) out, there would be more playing time available to Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Joe if Caruso and JayWill do not play. Joe offers a higher fantasy ceiling than Kenrich due to his three-point shooting.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Both Caruso and Williams had been dealing with these injuries previously. The Thunder officially ruled out both players in the second half of Thursday’s game against the Grizzlies. Expect both to be on the injury report for Saturday’s game against the Pacers.
Source: Thunder PR
OKC • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Caruso moved into the starting lineup on Sunday, as the Thunder were without Chet Holmgren. The veteran guard made the game’s biggest shot, as his corner three with 1:54 remaining gave Oklahoma City a lead it would not relinquish. Caruso’s overall stat line is a reminder of what he’s capable of when playing heavy minutes, as fantasy managers can derive value from multiple categories. The issue for Caruso is availability, as he’s only been available for 46 games this season. He’ll be worth a look in standard leagues if Holmgren is not back for Oklahoma City’s game against the Kings on Tuesday.
OKC • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Caruso is available after an illness sidelined him for Wednesday’s win over the Celtics. Kenrich Williams played additional minutes off the bench, with Isaiah Joe also experiencing a slight increase in playing time. While both may remain in the rotation with Caruso available, neither needs to be rostered in most fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Caruso will return to the lineup after a one-game absence, and he should see a substantial boost in playing time with most of the Thunder’s regular starters ruled out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Caruso is out after being forced to exit Monday’s win over the Rockets with a sprained left ankle. Fellow reserve Kenrich Williams played 17 minutes off the bench and may be in line for a similar workload on Wednesday. That’s unlikely enough to make him a player worth rostering in most leagues unless Isaiah Joe (back, questionable) also sits.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
8 months ago
Caruso got a rest night against Atlanta on Friday, but he will be back in the lineup against San Antonio. With Isaiah Joe sidelined, Caruso should see a few extra minutes off the bench, where he has provided top-100 value in nine-cat leagues over the past two weeks.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #9
9 months ago
With Oklahoma City holding a sizeable lead in the standings over the rest of the West, Caruso will get a night off. Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe should all divvy up Caruso’s minutes. They have a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday, so Caruso should be well-rested for that.
Source: NBA Injury Report