Oklahoma City Thunder stars Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams remain out

Defending NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder will resume their campaign without key duo Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams due to ongoing injury concerns.

The franchise announced on Thursday that Gilgeous-Alexander requires re-evaluation in approximately one week regarding an abdominal strain.

Williams, an All-NBA selection last season, is set to be sidelined for roughly two weeks as he recovers from a right hamstring strain.

Key reserve guard Ajay Mitchell also remains unavailable and will be re-assessed in a week following a left ankle sprain sustained over the All-Star break.

Injury timelines and setbacks

The reigning league MVP has been absent for the past five games, having initially suffered the abdominal issue on 3 February.

Oklahoma City must now navigate a challenging schedule of four fixtures within the next seven days without their primary playmaker.

Williams had briefly returned from a 10-game absence against the Los Angeles Lakers on 9 February before re-aggravating his hamstring just two nights later.

Despite the recurrence of the injury against the Phoenix Suns, the forward demonstrated his importance by scoring 28 points in just 20 minutes before leaving the court.

Mitchell adds to the depth concerns, having not featured since 21 January due to a previous abdominal strain before his recent ankle issue.

Battle for the top seed

The Thunder currently sit atop the Western Conference standings with a 42-14 record.

They hold a three-game cushion over the San Antonio Spurs as they look to secure the number one seed in the West.

However, the Detroit Pistons have moved marginally ahead of Oklahoma City in the race for the league’s best overall record.

Holding the best record would guarantee homecourt advantage throughout the post-season, including the NBA Finals.