Will Jalen Williams be ready to play by 2026 Western Conference Finals?

From the moment Jalen Williams held the back of his leg, OKC's collective stomach dropped. It's been a scene both parties have unfortunately gotten used to by now. The All-NBA talent continues to be plagued by nagging soft-tissue injuries.

Williams sustained a hamstring strain in OKC's Game 2 win over the Phoenix Suns on Apr. 22. Nearly a month later, the Thunder have somehow navigated a best-case scenario in a nightmare-fueled situation.

They've continued to be an NBA win machine without any hiccup at a perfect 8-0 record through the first two playoff rounds. In Williams' absence, Ajay Mitchell has seamlessly stepped up as a bonafide 20-point scorer. He helped the Thunder close things out with a Round 1 sweep over the Phoenix Suns.

He was the a beneficiary of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's gravity in a Round 2 sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers . Now, Williams will have nearly a month between his initial injury and Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals. The Thunder will face either the San Antonio Spurs or the Minnesota Timberwolves .