How long is Jalen Williams out? Thunder guard to miss Game 7 vs. Spurs with hamstring strain

In the Oklahoma City Thunder's biggest game of the year, they will be without a significant face.

Jalen Williams has struggled to stay healthy throughout the 2025-26 season — after appearing in just 33 games in the regular season, he managed just two games in the first round of the playoffs before dealing with another lengthy absence.

For the most part, the Thunder have remained elite without Williams. But now, the versatile forward is officially set to miss the NBA's most critical game of the season yet.

Here's what to know about Williams' injury and when he could return.

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How long is Jalen Williams out?

Williams' potential return timeline appears to rest on the shoulders of the Thunder's quest to go back-to-back.

Should the Thunder lose Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, Williams' playoff run will officially be over after just seven game appearances through three rounds, including just seven minutes in WCF Game 2 and 10 minutes in WCF Game 6.

However, if Oklahoma City advances to a second-straight Finals, there appears to be a chance that Williams could return to the floor. Because he's dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that he has already attempted to play through, a few extra days off could be beneficial for Williams if the Thunder wind up facing the Knicks.

Head coach Mark Daigneault said Saturday that if the Thunder advance, Williams could be available, as he did not suffer any setbacks.

"He's feeling about the same as he did," Daigneault said before Game 7, per ESPN. "He actually came out of the game pretty good for where he is in a normal rehab. Depending on what happens tonight, if we're fortunate enough to win and advance, he'll continue this rehab, and we'll take the same process as we go forward."

For now, Williams' potential for a return to the floor in 2025-26 will depend on his teammates.

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Jalen Williams status for Game 7 vs. Spurs

After struggling in his limited action in Game 6, fighting through an injury, Williams was ruled out for Thunder vs. Spurs Game 7 nearly a full day in advance.

He joined Ajay Mitchell and Thomas Sorber among Thunder players who will officially not play in Game 7.

In Williams' absence, Jared McCain has been getting time in the Thunder's starting lineup, a trend that will likely continue in Game 7.

What happened to Jalen Williams?

Williams has been dealing with continuous hamstring issues throughout the season, including a recent left hamstring strain that occurred in Game 2 of the first round. He then missed six playoff games in the Thunder's following matchups against the Suns and Lakers in the first two rounds, and after playing 37 minutes in his Game 1 return against the Spurs, Williams' health has once again been a concern.

He made another return to action in Game 6 on Thursday night, but managed just 10 minutes while coming off the bench and missing his only shot attempt with one point.

“It was a unique situation. Ever since he got hurt, he's been hell-bent on trying to get himself to this point," Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said of Williams.

Mark Daigneault on Jalen Williams’ return: “It was a unique situation. Ever since he got hurt, he's been hell-bent on trying to get himself to this point.” pic.twitter.com/YiwfgA2An9

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Jalen Williams stats

When healthy, Williams has often served as the Thunder's second-leading offensive weapon over the last few seasons, a seamless fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Capable of running the offense, scoring himself or pushing in transition, the 6-5 All-Star has been one of the more versatile wings in the league.

The 2025-26 season hasn't treated Williams kindly, however, as he's played just 38 total games between the regular season and playoffs.

Here's a look at Williams' regular-season numbers: