Injured All-Star Jalen Williams is currently listed as week to week, but it appears he will out longer than just one week. The Oklahoma City Thunder holds a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Phoenix Suns to make the first round series less stressful. However, the upcoming series will see more pressure on the team to have their best players against better competition.
Sports medicine surgeon Dr. Tony Wanich shared his insight on how long Williams will be out:
“He reportedly has a grade 1 hamstring strain, which is promising, and he could potentially return as soon as 2 weeks. While it is reported to be a grade 1 strain, the location of the injury, as well as the tissue involvement (muscle, tendon, muscle-tendon junction), also matters and can significantly affect the recovery timeframe.”
Wanich provided a couple of important notes when looking at the status of Williams. Most importantly, the best-case scenario for Williams’ return will come in two weeks. Unfortunately, Wanich also shared that other variables are there to potentially prolong his return. Williams returning after the first week of May would be a dream scenario, but it could also require a little more time after that window to be safe.
Will The Thunder Need Jalen Williams In Second Round?
Oklahoma City will most likely have to start their second round Western Conference playoff series without Williams active. Their opponent will likely be the Los Angeles Lakers, unless the Houston Rockets can make history by being the first team to comeback from an 0-3 series deficit.
The Lakers are not a pushover, but the Thunder will be a drastic favorite against them. Austin Reaves is expected to return soon to be active by the second round. However, Luka Doncic is reportedly still a bit further away from getting cleared to play.
Oklahoma City will likely be a strong favorite, but things could get more dangerous if Doncic returns. Williams is more needed if Luka is back on the court to make it a more challenging series. Otherwise, the Thunder would be expected to easily win their series, with or without Williams on the court.
Jalen Williams Still Necessary For Title Run
The health of Williams is a relevant topic for the rest of the postseason. Williams is expected to return in May, but he needs to truly be healthy for the team to hit their ceiling. Most expect the San Antonio Spurs and Thunder to face off in an intense Western Conference Finals.
Williams is needed near 100% for Oklahoma City to get past San Antonio and win a second NBA Championship. The entire season of Williams was dominated by injury to make him miss 49 regular season games and another two playoff games.
Flawed teams like the Lakers will believe they have a realistic chance if Williams is out. Contenders like the Spurs or Boston Celtics would have stronger confidence if Williams doesn’t look at full speed. The Thunder need Williams more than most realize, but another two weeks out is not the best sign for an easy return.
Thunder Get Negative Update On Jalen Williams Return Date