Is Jalen Williams playing tonight? Thunder vs. Lakers 2026 NBA Playoffs Game 1 injury report

May 5, 2026 - 14:00

The Oklahoma City Thunder will look to kick off their second-round series vs. the Los Angeles Lakers on a high note on Tuesday. They will be without star guard Jalen Williams for Game 1.

The Thunder ruled Williams out on Tuesday due to a left hamstring strain. Williams suffered the injury during Game 2 of Oklahoma City’s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns and missed Games 3 and 4.

Shortly after Game 2, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said Williams’ injury was a Grade 1 strain, which he called “a positive development.” Tuesday will mark 14 days since Williams suffered the injury.

Grade 1 hamstring strains typically have a return timetable of 1-2 weeks.

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Jalen Williams injury status vs. Lakers

Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena — Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Still, the Thunder haven’t offered much clarity about when Williams will return to the lineup.

“He’s chipping away at his rehab. He’s doing a good job,” Daigneault told Clemente Almanza on Saturday when asked about Williams’ status.

Williams’ availability will be critical for the Thunder as they get deeper into the playoffs. The 6-foot-5 guard appeared in just 33 regular-season games while battling multiple wrist and hamstring injuries. He averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists on 48.4 percent shooting, with Oklahoma City posting a 39-10 record in the games he missed.

However, Williams played a critical role in the Thunder’s postseason run last season. He averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals on .449/.304/.789 shooting splits across 23 playoff games.

Even with Williams sidelined, the Thunder are heavy favorites to get past the Lakers, who are without Luka Doncic to start the series. Yet, the star guard’s shot creation alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will prove more critical in a potential conference finals matchup against the San Antonio Spurs or Minnesota Timberwolves.

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