Thunder face injury crisis as Spurs seek series dominance in Western Conference final
Oklahoma City’s path to leveling the series against San Antonio is severely compromised by roster injuries ahead of Game 2.
The Oklahoma City Thunder face a critical juncture in the 2026 NBA Western Conference finals as they prepare for Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Following a 122-115 double-overtime defeat in the series opener, the Thunder are seeking to level the series, but their efforts are being undermined by significant injury concerns. The Spurs, who lead the season series 5-1, are looking to capitalise on their momentum and potentially take a 2-0 series lead.
The Thunder’s lineup has been severely impacted by injuries. Guard De'Aaron Fox is expected to miss the contest due to a right high ankle sprain, marking his second consecutive absence from the playoffs. This absence represents a notable shift in the offensive structure for a squad that entered the postseason undefeated in the first two rounds. The loss of Fox places additional pressure on the remaining roster to maintain their competitive standing.
Compounding the issue, forward Jalen Williams exited Game 2 after just seven minutes of first-quarter play. Williams departed with an apparent left hamstring injury recurrence, receiving immediate treatment on the court before leaving the game. The severity and timeline for his recovery remain unclear, adding uncertainty to Oklahoma City’s strategic options for the remainder of the series.
San Antonio enters the contest with historic momentum. The Spurs are the fifth team in NBA history to win five of their first six games against the team with the best record in the league that season. Historically, all four previous teams to achieve this feat won their respective playoff series against that opponent. This statistical trend underscores the challenge Oklahoma City faces in overcoming the Spurs' early dominance.
The stakes for Game 2 are high, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at the Paycom Center. The Thunder aim to break a pattern of consecutive playoff losses, which they have not experienced since the 2024 Western Conference semifinals. Conversely, the Spurs are looking to extend their lead and potentially secure home-court advantage for the remainder of the finals. The outcome will likely depend on how Oklahoma City manages its depleted roster against a San Antonio side buoyed by Victor Wembanyama’s historic performance in the opener.
