In a huge Game 2 clash in the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a dominant Game 1 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, will look to protect their perfect home playoff record this postseason.
Both teams meet Thursday night as Los Angeles faces an uphill battle to steal a road win and even the series before it shifts back to Crypto.com Arena.
Heading into the encounter, a major injury update from the Thunder camp may boost the Lakers’ chances of putting a series win on the board.
Lakers Receive Update on Thunder Star Before Game 2
Ahead of the game tonight, superstar guard Jalen Williams has been officially ruled out according to the NBA’s injury report. This will mark the second consecutive game the 25-year-old has missed in this ongoing conference semifinals.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 19: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates after a slam dunk during the first half against the Phoenix Suns in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on April 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Though the Thunder showed in Game 1 that they can win without him, Williams’ contribution has always been vital to the defending champions. He suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during Game 2 of the first round series against the Phoenix Suns. The former All-Star averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the two playoff games. He exited in the third quarter of Game 2.
Williams’ injury was diagnosed as a Grade 1 strain, which means he will likely play a part later in the series.
However, OKC appears content to let him heal fully rather than risk re-aggravation in a series they feel it can control without him, especially with the Lakers missing a key offensive piece. Second-year guard Ajay Mitchell has stepped up in Williams’ absence.
L.A. Staring Down the Inevitable
The Lakers are in a bit of a deja vu moment with this Williams injury update.
They took advantage of Kevin Durant’s unavailability in the first round, but from Game 1 of this round, they looked like they couldn’t match the Thunder.
Of course, the likes of last season’s MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren are all healthy, however, Williams is still a key piece of that core.
Game 1 was Holmgren’s show as he posted an impressive 24-point, 12-rebound double-double. The Thunder’s depth and defensive intensity overwhelmed a Lakers squad missing star guard Luka Doncic who has also been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Doncic is not yet cleared to return having been teased that he would at this stage. His presence on the floor would have been a huge plus for a William-less OKC side.
Austin Reaves hasn’t looked his full sharpness since his late return in the first round. The 27-year-old guard only got six points in 36 minutes of action in Game 1.
LeBron James did score 27 points but there is only so much the Lakers can hope for from their 41-year-old star against a much younger and athletic Thunder team
Much of what head coach JJ Redick feared happened as the Lakers trailed all through the night and never mounted a serious second-half comeback.
Game 2 tips off tonight with the Lakers looking to even the series out before it returns to L.A. for Games 3 and 4.
Is Jalen Williams Playing Tonight? Lakers Receive Major Update