The Oklahoma City Thunder have been without Jalen Williams since he exited Game 2 of reigning NBA champion’s first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns.
Williams was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, leaving his status for the Thunder’s second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers in question.
On Monday, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was asked about Williams’ status as his team prepares for Game 1 on Tuesday night.
Daigneault said Williams is progressing according to plan, but refused to provide a clear timeline for the one-time All-Star.
“He’s progressing according to plan, I would say. In terms of timeline, we’re not going to release that. We’ll continue to let you guys know on a week-to-week basis,” Daigneault said.
Even without Williams on the court, the Thunder present a difficult challenge for the Lakers. Los Angeles is still without leading scorer Luka Doncic, who suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during a loss to Oklahoma City on April 2.
The Thunder swept the Suns in Round 1, beginning their title-defense run with a dominant showing. MVP candidate Shai Gilgeoues-Alexander averaged 33.8 points and 8 assists through the first four games of the 2026 postseason.
Williams averaged 20.5 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds per game before suffering his hamstring injury in Game 2.
Game 1 of the Lakers-Thunder series will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET from Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center on Tuesday.
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