The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without key guard Jalen Williams for the decisive Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs due to a lingering hamstring injury.Williams originally aggravated his left hamstring during Game 2 of the series and subsequently missed multiple games while recovering.

Although he returned for Game 6, he was clearly limited, playing just 10 minutes off the bench in a 122-113 loss that pushed the series to a winner-take-all Game 7.Following further evaluation, the Thunder ruled him out for the final game as the team manages his recovery cautiously.

Head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged Williams’ effort to play through discomfort, praising his commitment while also noting that the player was far from fully healthy and not operating at his usual level.

Williams, an All-Star and All-NBA caliber player, has been an important contributor for Oklahoma City throughout the season and playoffs despite earlier injury setbacks, including offseason wrist surgery and limited regular-season availability.The Thunder now face a significant challenge entering Game 7 without one of their primary scoring and playmaking options.

The winner of the matchup will advance to the NBA Finals to face the New York Knicks, who recently secured their spot after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Oklahoma City must adjust its rotation and rely more heavily on its remaining core players to compensate for Williams’ absence in a high-stakes elimination game.