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Oklahoma City faces Game 5 uncertainty with injuries

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Oklahoma City faces Game 5 uncertainty with injuries

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OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder will be short-handed for Tuesday night’s pivotal Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, with guard Ajay Mitchell ruled out and forward Jalen Williams listed as questionable. Mitchell, a second-year guard who had taken on an expanded offensive role earlier in the postseason, suffered a right soleus strain in the third quarter of Game 3 and missed Game 4. Williams, a former All-Star and All-NBA wing, has managed a left hamstring injury since April 22, when he was hurt in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, and he re-aggravated the injury in Game 2 against San Antonio. Williams sat out the Thunder’s second-round sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers and remained sidelined for Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference Finals, as the team updated his status from left hamstring soreness to a left hamstring strain under injury management. Without Williams and Mitchell, Oklahoma City struggled in a 103-82 loss in Game 4, shooting 33 percent, committing 20 turnovers and seeing two-time reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander held to 19 points. The Spurs enter Game 5 at full strength, while the Thunder list only big man Thomas Sorber, out all season with an ACL injury, in addition to Mitchell and Williams. The series is tied 2-2, with Game 5 set for 8:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center and the winner moving ahead 3-2 with two opportunities to reach the 2026 NBA Finals.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Apr 22 Williams sustains left hamstring injury
Second round Thunder sweep Los Angeles Lakers
Game 2 Williams re-aggravates hamstring versus Spurs
Game 3 Mitchell suffers right soleus strain
Game 4 Thunder lose 103-82 in San Antonio
Monday Shams Charania updates Williams’ progress
Tuesday Thunder rule Mitchell out for Game 5
Tonight Game 5 tips off in Oklahoma City

Why This Matters to You

The Thunder's performance affects local pride and the city's economy. With key players injured, the team's ability to advance in the playoffs is uncertain. If you're a fan, this could impact your viewing plans and emotional investment in the season.

The Bottom Line

The Thunder face a tough Game 5 without two key players. It's a crucial match, with the winner moving closer to the NBA Finals. If you're a Thunder supporter, keep your fingers crossed and your game spirit high. Worth forwarding if you know someone who bleeds Thunder blue.