Thunder Provide Updates on Injured Stars Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Mitchell

Injuries have slowed Oklahoma City's strong start, but the team is hopeful for returns soon.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Oklahoma City Thunder have been hit hard by injuries this season, with key players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell all sidelined. The team provided updates on their status, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell set to be re-evaluated in one week, and Williams in two weeks. The absences of this trio, who make up three of the Thunder's top four scorers, have allowed other players like Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Joe and Andrew Wiggins to take on larger roles.

Why it matters

The Thunder entered the season as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference after winning the championship last year. However, the rash of injuries has allowed the San Antonio Spurs to close the gap in the standings, now trailing Oklahoma City by just three games for the No. 1 seed. The team's ability to weather these injury issues and get their stars back healthy will be crucial to their title defense.

The details

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell will all be re-evaluated in the coming weeks as they recover from their respective injuries. Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell have abdominal injuries and will be re-evaluated in one week, while Williams is dealing with a hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. With this trio sidelined, the Thunder have had to rely more on players like Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Joe and Andrew Wiggins to pick up the scoring slack.

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell will be re-evaluated in one week.
  • Jalen Williams will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP and one of the Thunder's top scorers, who is currently sidelined with an abdominal injury.

Jalen Williams

A key contributor for the Thunder, averaging over 15 points per game, who is recovering from a hamstring strain.

Ajay Mitchell

Another one of the Thunder's leading scorers, who is also dealing with an abdominal injury.

Chet Holmgren

The young forward has stepped up in the absence of the Thunder's injured stars.

Isaiah Joe

The guard has seen an increased role with the Thunder's injuries.

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What they’re saying

“We must find ways to win games even with our top players out. The next man up has to be ready to contribute.”

— Mark Daigneault, Thunder Head Coach (Thunder PR)

What’s next

The Thunder will look to get Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Mitchell back healthy in the coming weeks as they try to hold off the Spurs for the top seed in the West.

The takeaway

Injuries have been a major challenge for the Thunder this season, but their depth and the emergence of players like Holmgren, Joe and Wiggins have kept them in contention. Getting their stars healthy for the playoffs will be crucial as they aim to defend their championship.