OKC Thunder Faces Playoff Push Without Key Players

KOCO Sports Director and Analyst Discuss Team's Outlook Amid Injuries

Feb. 25, 2026 at 10:53pm

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are leading the Western Conference, but they have been without some key players, including NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, as the playoff season nears. KOCO 5 Sports Director Bryan Keating and Hannah Hoover discuss how the team can move forward while being short-handed due to injuries and what their chances look like for the rest of the season.

Why it matters

The Thunder's success this season has been a surprise, and their ability to maintain their position atop the West without their star players will be crucial as they aim to secure a high playoff seed. The team's performance during this stretch could have major implications for their postseason aspirations.

The details

The Thunder have been without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, their leading scorer and MVP candidate, as well as rising star Jalen Williams, due to injuries. This has put significant strain on the team's roster as they try to hold onto their conference lead with fewer than 25 games remaining in the regular season.

  • The Thunder have fewer than 25 games left in the regular season.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have both been sidelined with injuries.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's leading scorer and an MVP candidate who has been sidelined with an injury.

Jalen Williams

A rising star player for the Thunder who has also been out due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“So, how do they move forward? And what do their chances look like for the rest of the season?”

— Bryan Keating, KOCO 5 Sports Director (KOCO)

“The Thunder's success this season has been a surprise, and their ability to maintain their position atop the West without their star players will be crucial as they aim to secure a high playoff seed.”

— Hannah Hoover, KOCO 5 Analyst (KOCO)

What’s next

The Thunder will need to continue to find ways to win games and hold onto their lead in the Western Conference without their star players. Their performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their playoff positioning.

The takeaway

The Thunder's ability to remain competitive in the West without Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams will be a true test of their depth and coaching. If they can maintain their position, it would be an impressive feat and set them up well for a deep playoff run, even if they get their stars back in time.