Jalen Williams scored 31 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 29 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled to a 106-88 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

While Holmgren was out to an All-Star-caliber start, his absence provides an opportunity for Jalen Williams to take an All-Star leap. Williams has shown flashes of stardom throughout his career, and his growth was a significant piece of Oklahoma City’s 57-win campaign last season.

The Thunder hope starting Jalen Williams at center will be sustainable while their rotation bigs mend from injuries.