The Oklahoma City Thunder are on pace for their best regular season in a decade. But their ability to finish strong may depend on whether they can get their top two players back from injury. Coach Mark Daigneault is optimistic that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams will return before the end of the regular season.
“The timetable is dictated by how (SGA and Williams) respond to the recovery and that whole process,” Daigneault told Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman. “… We just gotta let the time table play out.”
Oklahoma City Thunder To Get Boost With Return Of Two Stars Soon?
OKC, one of three Western Conference teams to have already clinched a playoff spot, has lost three as Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams have sat out each game.
Williams, dealing with an ankle injury, was downgraded from doubtful to out before the Thunder’s 126-112 loss to Indiana on Friday night. The 22-year-old forward has been ruled out for Sunday’s contest in Charlotte. However, Williams may be available against Sacramento on Tuesday.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander returned to OKC on Thursday. The Thunder were concerned that SGA would lose some conditioning, as he has missed five of the last six games due to a quad injury.
“We need[ed] to make sure he doesn’t decondition during this time, and gym access on the road is much more difficult to come by,” said Daigneault.
So, obviously, Gilgeous-Alexander won’t play against the Hornets, and his status against the Kings is up in the air. However, Daigneault said that he is encouraged by SGA’s progress.
“He’s made progress. I’m not encouraged or discouraged. He’s progressing through it.
