NBA Notes: Thunder, Kenrich Williams, Sixers, Trendon Watford, Celtics

Thunder

Kenrich Williams is finally back. After missing the first 18 games of the season, the veteran forward is no longer on the injury report and has been cleared to make his season debut Wednesday against the Timberwolves, per Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.

Williams had an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee right before training camp. The Thunder initially said six to eight weeks. Just over eight weeks later, he is good to go.

Williams has spent five seasons in Oklahoma City and remains one of the stabilizing voices in the locker room. He made 69 appearances last year and played real minutes during the championship run.

Isaiah Hartenstein said his presence matters as much off the floor as on it.

“He’s a leader. You hear his voice through the game and throughout practice,” Hartenstein told reporters of Williams.

The Thunder still have several players out. Jalen Williams has not debuted yet after wrist surgery. Aaron Wiggins is out again with an adductor strain. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is questionable with an illness.

None of it has slowed Oklahoma City. The defending champs enter Wednesday with the best record in the league at 17-1.

76ers

Trendon Watford’s MRI confirmed a left adductor strain. He left Tuesday’s loss to Orlando early and will be reevaluated in two weeks, per The Philly Voice.

That means he will miss at least six games, starting Friday in Brooklyn.

It is his second injury absence this season. Watford also missed the first three games with a hamstring issue. Since returning, he has carved out a real role.

He has averaged 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists in just over 20 minutes per game and has been one of Philadelphia’s most efficient players.

The Sixers undoubtedly have been better with him on the floor than off.

Jabari Walker and Paul George are the two likely candidates to pick up the minutes. George missed the Orlando game with a right ankle sprain but practiced Wednesday.

Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe also practiced after missing two games with calf tightness.

Joel Embiid did not practice but did individual conditioning as he works back from knee soreness.

Celtics

The Celtics had interest in Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe in free agency, but Brooklyn outbid them, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

Sharpe received a deal worth more than $6 million this season. Boston could only offer the minimum.

Sharpe was someone the Celtics believed could push for a starting spot. If the two teams get together for another trade this season, he is a name to watch, Scotto reports.

The Nets valued him highly enough to keep him, but Boston is still searching for frontcourt help and has not closed the book on that idea.