Just when it seemed like the Oklahoma City Thunder were hitting their stride, an unexpected setback has thrown a wrench in their plans. Jalen Williams, one of OKC’s rising stars and a crucial piece of their offense, is officially out for the highly anticipated showdown against the Boston Celtics.

And let’s be real—the timing couldn’t be worse. The Thunder are trying to make a statement against one of the NBA’s elite teams, and now they have to do it without one of their most consistent performers.

So, how did this happen? And more importantly, what does it mean for OKC’s chances against Boston?

OKC Thunder’s Injury Report

Why isn’t Jalen Williams suiting up against the Celtics? The Thunder forward is dealing with a right hip strain, an injury he suffered during OKC’s March 11 matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The play unfolded early in the second quarter when Williams took a hard fall, landing awkwardly on his hip. Initially, he tried to tough it out, staying on the court for a few more plays. But the discomfort didn’t fade. Eventually, he walked off the court and straight into the locker room—never returning to the game.

How bad is the injury? Luckily, it’s not considered serious—at least for now. The Thunder aren’t taking any chances, though. They’ve been extra cautious with injuries all season, and with the playoffs approaching, they’re making sure Williams doesn’t rush back too soon.

Still, his absence stings. He’s been one of OKC’s most reliable and efficient scorers, averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Losing that kind of production means someone else has to step up.

Who needs to step up in Williams’ absence? Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Joe all have bigger roles to play now. Dort’s defense will be key against Boston’s dangerous wings. And don’t be surprised if Cason Wallace gets more minutes—he’s shown flashes of real potential when given the chance.

The Celtics aren’t at full strength either, are they? Nope. Boston’s dealing with a few key injuries of their own, which could make this matchup even more interesting. Jaylen Brown (right knee posterior impingement) – PROBABLE. Jayson Tatum (right knee tendinopathy) – QUESTIONABLE. Kristaps Porzingis (illness, non-COVID) – QUESTIONABLE.

So what does this mean for OKC? If Tatum or Porzingis sits out, it completely changes the game. Brown would have to carry more of the scoring load, and Boston’s frontcourt would be a lot less intimidating without Porzingis. That would open the door for Chet Holmgren to dominate inside, especially if OKC can stretch Boston’s defense with their shooting.

Can OKC Handle Boston Without Jalen Williams?

How have the Thunder performed against the Celtics lately? Surprisingly well. In their last meeting on January 5, 2025, OKC dominated Boston 105-92, setting a franchise record with their 15th straight win. That game was all about defense—the Thunder held the Celtics to just 27 second-half points, completely shutting them down. Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable, dropping 33 points, while the entire team played with a level of intensity that Boston couldn’t match.

So, what’s the game plan this time around? Without Williams, OKC will have to adjust, but they still have the firepower to take down Boston. Expect them to lean heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander, while Holmgren controls the paint. Ball movement and three-point shooting will be huge, especially if Boston is missing one of their stars.

Is this a huge loss for OKC? Absolutely. Jalen Williams has been a game-changer all season, and missing him in a big game like this isn’t ideal.

But is this a deal-breaker? Not necessarily. The Thunder have depth, talent, and a track record of resilience. If Boston is missing key players too, OKC still has a strong chance to pull this one off.

One thing’s for sure—this game just got a whole lot more interesting.