Jalen Williams Return: Thunder Coach Announces Optimism Ahead of Lakers Series

Jalen Williams has been out with a hamstring strain since Game 2 of the OKC Thunder’s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns. As they head to the second round against the LA Lakers, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault provided an optimistic statement for Williams’ return. 

According to Daigneault, during media interviews in the Thunder’s practice, Williams is on the right trajectory for a return, but refused to specify any timeline on his recovery.

“He’s progressing according to plan, I would say,” Daigneault said. “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.” 

The Thunder swept the Suns in the first round despite playing without Williams in Games 3 and 4. With their sweep, the Thunder got a one-week lead time for Round 2 after the Lakers took down the Houston Rockets in the first round in six games. 

Williams’ injury is his fourth setback this season. His first came in the offseason when he underwent surgery for his injured wrist, before injuring his right hamstring twice earlier this year. 

Fortunately for OKC, Williams’ current injury involves his left hamstring, not the same body part he struggled to heal during the regular season. 

The Thunder announced during Round 1 that Williams will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis after he was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain. 

In the regular season, Williams appeared in 33 games, putting up 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, albeit in career-worst shooting from the 3-point line. 

During the first round, the Thunder opted to insert Ajay Mitchell, another capable ball handler just like Williams, in the starting lineup, giving up size but maintaining the same level of offensive productivity for the team, which resulted in a clean slate so far in the postseason.

Thunder Set to Lean Heavily on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

GettyShai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to carry heavy load for the Thunder.

The Thunder will have to rely heavily on MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in their series against the Lakers. 

Gilgeous-Alexander has been tallying incredible numbers in the playoffs so far. In their Round 1 sweep, Gilgeous-Alexander put up 33.8 points per game as on-ball creation fell to him throughout the series. 

Against the Lakers in the regular season, the Thunder has been dominant, winning by an average of 29.3 points in all four of their matchups. 

The Thunder won 64 games in the regular season behind Gilgeous-Alexander and All-Star Chet Holmgren, despite numerous injuries throughout their roster. 

Meanwhile, the Lakers are expected to remain shorthanded throughout the series as they could miss Luka Doncic, their top scorer, due to injury. 

Thunder-Lakers Schedule for Round 2

GettyThunder opens series with Lakers on Tuesday.

The Thunder and the Lakers will open their second-round series on Tuesday, May 5, in Oklahoma City. Tip-off will be at 8:30 Eastern time. 

Game 2 is on Thursday, May 7, still in OKC. Games 3 and 4 will be in Los Angeles, where the Lakers won three of their games in Round 1 against the Rockets. 

The Thunder is seen as the heavy favorite in the series against the Lakers

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