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Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder during an NBA game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, starting on May 5 at the Paycom Center.

The Thunder made it look easy in the first round, sweeping the Phoenix Suns in four games. However, they lost Jalen Williams to a left hamstring injury and is considered week-to-week.

Williams dealt with multiple injuries this season, including a couple of right hamstring strains. He was limited to just 33 games, averaging 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Update on Jalen Green’s Potential Return From Injury

GettyJalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder sits on the bench during the second half in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 25, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 121-109.

According to Clemente Almanza of The OKC Thunder Wire, multiple Game 7s helped the defending NBA champions regarding their J-Dub problem. Williams still has no timetable for a return, but the bit of delay could help bring their second-best player back as soon as Game 1.

“We likely won’t know Williams’ official Game 1 status until Monday’s injury report, but you have to like his odds of returning by then,” Almanza wrote. “If not by the Round 2 opener, then surely soon after.”

Williams was officially diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, so it wasn’t as bad as initially believed. He’ll likely return at some point in the second, making the Thunder even stronger.

And if the Thunder decides to give him more rest, the team might actually still win a championship. They went 39-10 without him in the regular season.

Ajay Mitchell Stepped Up in Jalen Williams’ Absence

GettyAjay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the second half at TD Garden on March 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Celtics defeat the Thunder 119-109.

Due to Williams’ injuries this season, the Thunder found another gem in Ajay Mitchell. The second-year guard turned into one of the most improved players of the season. He averaged 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals as a starter this season.

In Game 3 against the Suns, Mitchell had 15 points, six rebounds and two assists in the Thunder’s 121-109 win. He followed it up with 22 points, four rebounds and six assists as the defending champs close out the series with a 131-122 victory.

If Williams continues to be sidelined against the Lakers, Mitchell likely steps into the role. The Thunder have deep roster, and any of their players can contribute. Cason Wallace has had his moments, while Alex Caruso and Lu Dort are defensive juggernauts.

On offense, the Thunder can use Jared McCain, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.

Thunder-Lakers Series Preview

The Thunder are favored to beat the Lakers in their second-round playoff matchup. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company dominated the purple and gold franchise in the regular season, winning all four games via an average margin of 29.3 points.

While the Lakers will always have a chance, especially with how LeBron James played in the first round, they are short-handed offensively. Luka Doncic remains sidelined, while Austin Reaves is still trying to find his rhythm.

Coach JJ Redick will have his hands full after winning his first playoff series.