The Oklahoma City Thunder could be without one of their star guards yet again for an extended period of time.
Jalen Williams is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks due to a hamstring strain, the team announced on Monday.
Ajay Mitchell took Williams' spot in the lineup to begin the third quarter.
He suffered the injury in a loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday night, leaving after logging just eight points and three rebounds in fewer than 14 minutes of action. Williams drove into the lane, turned and tried to throw a behind-the-head pass to Chet Holmgren near the basket. He immediately started grabbing at the back of his leg. Ajay Mitchell took Williams' spot in the lineup to begin the third quarter, after the one-time all-star was initially ruled out due to thigh soreness.
It could end up being Williams' second major injury of his fourth NBA campaign, as the 24-year-old previously missed 19 straight games to open the year while recovering from off-season wrist surgery.
Williams has played in 24 games since making his season debut, averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals.
His numbers have taken a dip from Year 3, when Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals on 36.5 per cent shooting from distance (compared to 30.0 per cent this season). The breakout campaign en route to winning a title with OKC also included a 2024-25 all-NBA selection and all-defence nod.
The Williams-less Thunder (35-8) return to action on Monday, visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 p.m. PT.
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