Jalen Williams Injury Update, Latest News on Thunder Star's Status for WCF vs. Wemby, Spurs
It seems like the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to get Jalen Williams (hamstring) back for the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Williams has been listed as available for Game 1.
The news comes after Williams addressed his status on a video that was posted to his YouTube channel Friday (5:44 mark).
"It's good that I haven't had to rush back from my hamstring stuff at all," Williams said. "I'm actually taking like extra days now than from what was originally planned because we were up 3-0 [over the Los Angeles Lakers], so there was no point in going into this series and possibly hurting myself before we play the Timberwolves or the Spurs.
"I'm about to go into another series healthy."
Injuries have been a concern throughout the season and playoffs for Williams.
He was limited to 33 games during the regular season because of wrist and hamstring injuries and then suffered another hamstring setback during Game 2 of Oklahoma City's first-round victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Williams had 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in Game 1 of the series and had 19 points in Game 2 prior to the setback. He seemed to be completely dialed in, and he could be a No. 2 or 3 option for the team in the Western Conference Finals if he does return.
And that's a scary thought for the Spurs or Timberwolves.
After all, the Thunder are a perfect 8-0 in the playoffs and didn't seem to miss a beat even with Williams sidelined. Ajay Mitchell has been brilliant in a larger role for the team and just averaged 22.5 points and 6.0 assists in the second-round win over the Lakers.
Mitchell's individual efforts allowed OKC to rest superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for stretches. The reigning MVP is yet to reach the 40-minute mark in a single game this playoffs, which should have him feeling fairly fresh for the Western Conference Finals as well.
With a healthy Williams and a fresh SGA, anything less than another NBA Finals appearance would be surprising for the Thunder.
.jpg?w=600 "2025 NFL Re-Draft ⏮️")
