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Jalen 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.
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to deliver a heavyweight Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Both franchises eased their way into this round, maybe not so much as an ease for the Lakers, who had to do it in six games, but they got the job done against the Houston Rockets.
L.A. missed Luka Doncic for the entirety of the first round and Austin Reaves returned very late to play Games 5 and 6. They managed to hang on to a 41-year-old LeBron James and fended off any late push by Houston.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets during the third quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Entering the second round however, the injury luck may have started to be on the Lakers’ side as they will be keeping tabs on the availability of one of OKC’s key contributors. Jalen Williams.
Williams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered in the first round. The 25-year-old guard’s availability for the early games of this series is in question.
Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns was the last time fans saw Williams on the court. He exited in the third quarter with his injury. Initial diagnosis from the Thunder placed it as a Grade 1 strain, typically requiring 1-2 weeks of recovery, and thus a week-to-week timeline.
Head coach Mark Daigneault gave a positive update on Williams as he is recovering well but according to Basketnews.com the coach remained cautious with their All-Star guard.
“In terms of a timeline, we’re not gonna release that. We will continue to let you guys know on a week-to-week basis,” Daigneault told reporters. (h/t BasketNews.com)
It is almost two weeks now since that injury which places Williams in a good enough time to contribute in the second round. However, the Thunder wouldn’t want to rush him seeing how this season has gone.
Williams has been navigating a challenging injury-plagued 2025-26 season. The 33 regular-season games he played was a culmination of multiple setbacks, including offseason wrist surgery that sidelined him for the first 19 contests, followed by a right hamstring strain that caused him to miss additional time in January and February.
This latest setback is at least his third hamstring-related problem in recent months. It is concerning because Williams is central to OKC’s championship pedigree and aspirations.
Just like the Thunder, the Lakers were hit by a hamstring blow in the previous round. Doncic got a Grade 2 tear which is more serious, however, the Slovenian superstar is expected to be fully in contention for the second round.
In a twist of playoff fortune, Williams’ uncertain status could provide the Lakers with a timely break. Not that it will mean much seeing how OKC plays as a unit with or without their main stars.
However, if Williams misses early games, or returns at less than full strength, the Lakers will no doubt gain a strategic edge over the defending NBA champions, albeit a little one.
No one wants to see key players sidelined in a mouthwatering series like this but injuries have already shaped the first round.
Game 1 tips off Tuesday evening at Paycom Center as the prize on the line is a trip to the Western Conference finals.
Adel Ahmad Adel is a writer with over five years of experience covering the NBA. His work has appeared on various media platforms, both national and local. More about Adel Ahmad
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