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Jalen Williams reacts after a basket during a Thunder playoff game as he works toward a return from a hamstring injury.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are still waiting to learn their opponent — but their Western Conference finals timeline is now coming into focus, along with a potential advantage that could shape the series.
After completing a second-round sweep on May 11, Oklahoma City will open the conference finals either on May 18 or May 20, depending on how the series between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves unfolds.
NBC and Peacock will televise the Western Conference Finals.
The Spurs and Timberwolves will play Game 6 on May 15 in Minnesota, with a potential Game 7 on May 17 in San Antonio.
If San Antonio closes out the series in Game 6, the Thunder will host Game 1 on May 18.
If Minnesota forces a Game 7, Oklahoma City’s opener shifts to May 20, extending the wait — and potentially strengthening the Thunder’s position.
Because the Thunder have not played since May 11, the schedule creates a sizable gap between games.
Oklahoma City will have at least seven full days of rest before Game 1 — and potentially nine days if the series goes the distance.
That extended break could carry added importance given the team’s health situation.
Jalen Williams has been sidelined with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain suffered in Game 2 of the first round against the Phoenix Suns.
Grade 1 hamstring strains typically heal within one to two weeks, and data from InStreetClothes — an injury database run by certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts — shows an average recovery timeline of approximately 12.4 days for similar injuries.
Jalen Williams Injury History: The average time lost for Grade 1 hamstring strains is ~12.4 days. Multiple players have suffered the injury in the playoffs including Jaylen Brown, Steph Curry, & Devin Booker. Curry’s injury occurred last year & kept him out of GS’s last 4 games.
Williams has already missed six consecutive games but has not been ruled out for the Western Conference finals. His availability will depend on how he responds to ramp-up work in the coming days.
The longer the Spurs–Timberwolves series continues, the more time Oklahoma City has to potentially get him back at full strength.
If available, Williams would give the Thunder a significant boost on both ends of the floor.
Despite an injury-interrupted season, he averaged 17.1 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds in 33 regular-season games, serving as one of Oklahoma City’s most versatile playmakers.
His return would add another layer to an already dominant rotation led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“We’ve done our job so far, that’s all it really means,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We’ve gone out there, we’ve executed… but nothing is guaranteed.”
San Antonio moved within one win of advancing after a 126-97 victory in Game 5.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks, helping secure a 3-2 series lead.
The Spurs can clinch in Game 6, which would lock in the earlier May 18 start date. If Minnesota extends the matchup, Oklahoma City’s rest window — and recovery opportunity — grows even larger.
Regardless of opponent, Oklahoma City enters the Western Conference finals with unmatched momentum.
The Thunder swept both the Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers, improving to 8-0 in the playoffs.
The defending champions are pursuing the NBA’s first repeat title since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.
Coach Mark Daigneault said the focus remains on improvement.
“We’ve been very, very good,” Daigneault said. “But we have to play better in more of the 48 minutes.”
For now, the Thunder remain in a holding pattern — watching, preparing and recovering.
Whether Game 1 tips on May 18 or May 20, Oklahoma City will enter with clear advantages: extended rest, home-court edge and a chance to return to full strength.
And as the second-round series stretches on, that advantage may grow — especially if it brings one of their key players back into the lineup at the right time.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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