Jalen Williams injury update: Thunder star's hamstring strain 'could've been a lot worse'

TL;DR

Jalen Williams of the Thunder has a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, but the injury is considered a positive development. He will be reevaluated weekly following his injury during Game 2 against Phoenix.

Key points

Jalen Williams has a Grade 1 left hamstring strain
Injury occurred during Game 2 against Phoenix
Williams will be reevaluated weekly
Mark Daigneault called the diagnosis a positive development
Williams previously missed two months with a right hamstring injury

Jalen WilliamsThunderNBA PlayoffsPhoenix Suns

Jalen Williams injury update: Thunder star's hamstring strain 'could've been a lot worse'

Mark Daigneault gave Thunder fans a reason to exhale when on Friday he described Jalen Williams’ injury diagnosis as a “relatively positive development.”

On Thursday, the Thunder announced that Williams sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during OKC’s Game 2 win against Phoenix. Williams, according to the team, will be reevaluated on a weekly basis.

Williams dealt with a recurring right hamstring injury in the regular season that forced him to miss roughly two months.

Daigneault said this latest injury “could’ve been a lot worse.”

More: Thunder star Jalen Williams carries 'good energy' despite new hamstring injury

The plan is for Williams to travel with the team to Phoenix on Friday afternoon rather than rehabbing in Oklahoma City. The Suns will host the Thunder in Game 3 of their first-round series at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. OKC leads the series 2-0.

Cason Wallace is the most likely option to slide into the starting lineup with Williams out. Ajay Mitchell is expected to have an even larger role as an on-ball guard and secondary scoring option.

Williams had arguably been the Thunder’s best player through the first six quarters of the series. He averaged 20.5 points in Games 1 and 2 on 62% shooting.

Mitchell, after practice on Friday, said J-Dub is in good spirits.

“He’s always that way,” Mitchell said. “He’s very resilient and works hard to get back. Obviously he’s had a couple tough injuries this year, but his mindset stays the same. We’re really not worried about him. He’s gonna be good.”