The Oklahoma City Thunder have repeatedly managed Jalen Williams’ injury-related absences during the 2025-26 season, largely because of the emergence of Ajay Mitchell. When Mitchell has filled Williams’ spot in the starting lineup, Oklahoma City has posted a remarkable 19-1 record across the regular season and playoffs combined, showing just how effective that adjustment has been.
That stability has now been disrupted. Mitchell has been ruled out for a second straight game because of a right calf strain, and his absence could push the Thunder to consider bringing Williams back sooner than expected. Williams is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals because of another hamstring strain, his fourth of the season and his second in roughly a month.
The Thunder have looked excellent when Mitchell replaces Williams, but they have been far less successful when both players are unavailable at the same time. In those situations, Oklahoma City is only 11-10, including a 103-82 loss to the Spurs on Friday that tied the best-of-seven series at 2-2. That defeat showed how much the Thunder rely on having at least one of the two available in the rotation.
Now the series shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, giving the Thunder home-court advantage in a crucial matchup. With the series deadlocked, the team will be trying to reclaim control and move one step closer to the next round.
Oklahoma City may also need extra offensive support because Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been inconsistent throughout the series. Beyond that, the Thunder’s postseason numbers without both Williams and Mitchell on the floor have been concerning, with the team ranking in the 19th percentile in points per 100 possessions at 106.2 and the 11th percentile in point differential at minus-12.7. Those figures suggest the offense has struggled badly when neither player is available.
Hamstring injuries are often difficult to manage, and Williams has already dealt with several setbacks this season. If the medical staff gives him even a limited green light, the Thunder could decide to take the risk and put him back in action earlier than initially planned. Given the stakes of Game 5 and the importance of regaining momentum in the series, Oklahoma City may be forced into a difficult but potentially necessary decision.
