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Defeating the defending NBA champions will be a big challenge for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. And accomplishing that feat could become even more difficult for the Lakers if Oklahoma City Thunder star center Jalen Williams is healthy to play.
Williams sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during Game 2 of the Thunder’s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns on April 22. Oklahoma City said Williams’ status would be evaluated weekly.
The recovery time for Williams’ injury is projected to last about 12.4 days, according to certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts’ InStreetClothes database. Game 1 of the Lakers’ game against the Thunder will be 13 days since Williams suffered the injury.
Therefore, Williams could be ready to return to the Thunder in time for Game 1, which is scheduled for Tuesday at the Paycom Center.
Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) screams after dunking against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
If Williams does not return for Game 1, he could be back for Game 2 on Thursday or Game 3 on Saturday.
Williams averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field in 33 regular season games. During the first two games of the Thunder’ first-round series sweep, Williams shot 61.5% from the field and averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 26 minutes.
Regardless of Williams’ status for Game 1, the Thunder will be a tough team for the Lakers to overcome. Adding Williams back into the mix will only make advancing to the Western Conference Finals even more difficult for Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The post Thunder Star Could Return From Injury in Game 1 Against Lakers appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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Williams sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during Game 2 of the Thunder’s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns on April 22. Oklahoma City said Williams’ status would be evaluated weekly.
The recovery time for Williams’ injury is projected to last about 12.4 days, according to certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts’ InStreetClothes database. Game 1 of the Lakers’ game against the Thunder will be 13 days since Williams suffered the injury.
Therefore, Williams could be ready to return to the Thunder in time for Game 1, which is scheduled for Tuesday at the Paycom Center.
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Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) screams after dunking against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
If Williams does not return for Game 1, he could be back for Game 2 on Thursday or Game 3 on Saturday.
Williams averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field in 33 regular season games. During the first two games of the Thunder’ first-round series sweep, Williams shot 61.5% from the field and averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 26 minutes.
Regardless of Williams’ status for Game 1, the Thunder will be a tough team for the Lakers to overcome. Adding Williams back into the mix will only make advancing to the Western Conference Finals even more difficult for Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The post Thunder Star Could Return From Injury in Game 1 Against Lakers appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
