The Oklahoma City Thunder have not lost a game in the 2026 postseason, and they're set to get a major boost ahead of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals aga
The Oklahoma City Thunder have not lost a game in the 2026 postseason, and they're set to get a major boost ahead of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
All-Star wing Jalen Williams, who has not played since Game 2 of the first round against the Phoenix Suns, isOklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams – out since April 22 with a hamstring strain – is listed available against the San Antonio Spurs for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Williams missed 49 games during the regular season and has not played in the last six playoff games for OKC, but the Thunder went 45-10 without him.
Now, they add him back into the mix against a Spurs team that gave OKC some trouble in the regular season, winning four of the five meetings between these teams. With Williams expected to play, oddsmakers at DraftKings have set the Thunder as 6.5-point favorites at home in Game 1.
OKC moved breakout star Ajay Mitchell into. the starting lineup after Williams went down against Phoenix, and it'll be interesting to see how Mark Daigneault handles his rotations now that Williams is back. In two playoff games this season, Williams is averaging 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 61.5 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from 3. There's no doubt that he gives the Thunder a major boost in this series.
Williams was the second-best player for OKC during last year's title run, and he gives the team another offensive hub when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the bench. It's unclear if Williams will have a minutes restriction in his first game back, but he's been sidelined since April 22.
Even with the star wing returning, I actually am eyeing another Thunder player in the prop market tonight, something I shared in today's edition of Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has put together an extremely impressive postseason, and he could be an X-Factor in this series. Mitchell missed multiple regular season games against the Spurs due to injury, yet he’s been arguably the second-best offensive player for the Thunder in the playoffs.
Mitchell is averaging 18.8 points per game in the postseason, shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from 3. He’s scored at least 13 points in seven of eight games, taking on an expanded role with Jalen Williams sidelined. Even with Williams returning for Game 1, Mitchell should have a featured role on offense, especially when SGA is on the bench.
He’s taking almost 15 shots per game in the postseason, giving him a really solid floor when it comes to any scoring prop. I’m buying him at this discounted number in Game 1. Peter is a senior editor for Sports Illustrated Betting. He has worked as a writer and editor for BetSided, NBC Sports, the Connecticut Sun and the Meriden Record-Journal covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, and more.
A New York City resident, he is a hoops fanatic with a soft spot for his New York Knicks.
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Spurs vs. Thunder Opening Series Odds (Thunder Favored to Advance, But Expect a Long Series)All season long, NBA fans have been clamoring for a Western Conference Finals matchup between the two best young teams in the league. Now, we have it. Shai Gil
Read more »
How Jaylin Williams Could Impact OKC Thunder's Matchup Against SpursThe Oklahoma City Thunder have a tall task ahead in the Western Conference Finals, but their backup big man could help their chances. After rolling through the
Read more »
Victor Wembanyama vs. Jalen Williams: The Key to OKC's Success in the Spurs SeriesThe article discusses the upcoming series between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder, focusing on the matchup between Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Williams. It highlights the importance of containing Wembanyama and the strategies OKC needs to employ to beat the Spurs.
Read more »
Spurs vs. Thunder Prediction, Odds and Best Prop Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals is a must-watch event, as the two top teams in the odds to win the NBA Finals square off for the sixth time in the 2025-
Read more »