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Thunder star Jalen Williams out for Game 1 vs. Lakers
5 May
Summary
- Jalen Williams is out for Game 1 against the Lakers due to a hamstring strain.
- Williams' return timeline is week-to-week, with potential return around Games 3-5.
- He previously missed time this season due to wrist surgery and another hamstring strain.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will play Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers without star forward Jalen Williams. Williams is sidelined due to a grade 1 left hamstring strain, which he sustained during Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns on April 22. His status is being evaluated on a week-to-week basis, with coach Mark Daigneault declining to provide a specific return timeline.
Sources estimate that a grade 1 hamstring strain typically requires one to two weeks for recovery, suggesting Williams could potentially return for Games 3 through 5 of the series. This injury adds to a frustrating 2025-26 season for Williams, who had previously undergone wrist surgery after the NBA Finals and missed 49 games with a right hamstring strain earlier in the year. Despite these setbacks, Williams averaged 17.1 points and 5.5 assists this season.
