SI: Jalen Williams’ return could be key for Thunder

Sports Illustrated said on May 13 that Jalen Williams’ return could be central to Oklahoma City’s setup for the Western Conference finals after the Thunder advanced through the first two rounds without him. The article, written by Grayson Buchanan, said Oklahoma City had gained extra rest while waiting for the winner of the San Antonio Spurs-Minnesota Timberwolves series. Buchanan wrote that the Thunder would “benefit greatly” if Williams is available when the series begins. The Thunder reached the conference finals with an 8-0 playoff record, according to NBA.com’s 2026 playoffs bracket. NBA.com said Oklahoma City completed a 4-0 sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers on May 12 to stay unbeaten in the postseason. Sports Illustrated framed that run as important context because Williams has not played since Game 2 of the opening round. ### How long has Williams been out? (si.com) Jalen Williams has not appeared since Game 2 of Oklahoma City’s first-round series, Sports Illustrated reported. The publication said he was sidelined by a left hamstring strain and had been “taking his time to get back.” NBA.com separately reported on April 23 that Williams left Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns with a left hamstring injury. (nba.com) NBA.com reported on May 5 that Williams was ruled out for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers because of a hamstring injury. An NBA player page entry cited by NBA.com said on April 23 that Williams was considered week-to-week with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. ### What did Sports Illustrated point to in his absence? (si.com) Sports Illustrated said Oklahoma City had “no problem getting this far in the postseason” without Williams, but said the level of competition in the next round could raise the value of his return. Buchanan named the Spurs and Timberwolves as tougher opponents than the Thunder’s first two playoff matchups and said Oklahoma City’s need for Williams could change in that setting. (nba.com) That assessment was Buchanan’s analysis in the article. Ajay Mitchell was the teammate Buchanan highlighted as having filled in during Williams’ absence. Sports Illustrated said Mitchell had been effective in the starting lineup and suggested Williams’ return could give Oklahoma City more lineup options. ### What numbers did SI use to make the case? (si.com) Sports Illustrated said Williams was averaging 20.5 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds before the injury. The article also said he was shooting 61.5% from the field during that stretch. Buchanan used those numbers to argue that Oklahoma City would be stronger with Williams back on the floor. (si.com) The same article also pointed to Williams’ playoff scoring from the previous year, citing a 34-point game in a Western Conference finals Game 4 win and a 40-point outing in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Those examples were presented by Sports Illustrated as evidence of Williams’ value in high-leverage postseason games. (si.com) ### Who could Oklahoma City face in the conference finals? The San Antonio Spurs led the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-2 when Sports Illustrated published its article, Buchanan wrote. NBA.com’s playoff bracket also showed the Spurs-Timberwolves semifinal at 3-2, with Oklahoma City already through to the next round. (si.com) Sports Illustrated said San Antonio’s smaller lineup could affect how Oklahoma City sets its starters if Williams returns. Buchanan wrote that Victor Wembanyama is San Antonio’s only true big and noted a January game in which Oklahoma City sat Isaiah Hartenstein to open against the Spurs. That lineup discussion was Buchanan’s projection, not a team announcement. (si.com) ### When is the next concrete date on the schedule? NBA.com’s 2026 playoff bracket lists Oklahoma City’s next scheduled game as the Western Conference finals opener on June 3 at 5:30 p.m. PT. The opponent remains to be determined until the Spurs-Timberwolves series is decided. (nba.com) (si.com)