The Oklahoma City Thunder will hand 7‑foot‑3 rookie Aday Mara his first NBA start on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Key points
- Aday Mara makes his NBA debut as a starter for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.
- He replaces Jaylin Williams, marking the sole change from the previous night’s winning lineup.
- The rookie’s height (7‑foot‑3) adds size to the Thunder’s frontcourt against the Cavaliers.
According to NBC Sports, the Thunder’s starting five for Wednesday’s matchup with the Cavaliers will include Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein and the newly promoted center Aday Mara.
The only alteration from the lineup that secured a win over Cleveland on Monday is Mara’s insertion at center, taking the spot previously held by Jaylin Williams.
Lineup change for Wednesday's game
Mara, listed at 7‑foot‑3, is the first rookie to start for the Thunder this season, a milestone noted by the source’s reporter Raphielle Johnson.
The change comes as the Thunder look to build on Monday’s victory, hoping the extra size and fresh energy from Mara will help sustain their momentum against a competitive Cavaliers squad.
Mara replaces Jaylin Williams
NBC Sports cites Rylan Stiles as the source of the roster update, confirming that the move is a strategic decision by the coaching staff rather than a response to injury.
Reader questions
When will Aday Mara make his first start?
He is slated to start in the Thunder’s Wednesday night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Which player is being replaced in the starting lineup?
Jaylin Williams is being replaced by Aday Mara.
How tall is rookie Aday Mara?
Mara is listed at 7 feet 3 inches tall.
Source: nbcsports.com
