Jalen Williams Injury Update: Is J-Dub Playing Tonight vs. Spurs in Game 3?

UPDATE: Per Charania, Williams is OUT for Friday night's Game 3.

The original story resumes below.

SF Jalen Williams is listed as questionable for Friday’s Thunder vs. Spurs Western Conference Finals Game 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET. 

After getting back in the swing of things to kick off this series, the star wing suffered yet another hamstring injury that leaves his status up in the air for the time being. 

Below, we'll break down the latest Jalen Williams injury update, if J-Dub will play tonight, and who to target on PrizePicks if he sits.

Make your NBA Playoff picks on PrizePicks — including ones on Thunder vs. Spurs Game 3.

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Jalen Williams Injury Update: Is Williams Playing Tonight vs. Spurs?

As of Friday afternoon on the NBA’s official injury report, Williams is listed as questionable with a left hamstring strain. 

It’s yet another ailment in a long stretch of them for the All-Star forward. Speaking on the “Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN, Shams Charania alluded to Williams playing in Game 3 being a long shot. 

“I’m told the Thunder are evaluating this day-to-day, game-to-game,” Charania said. “Given the fact that he’s just a couple days removed from another hamstring injury to the same strained hamstring, it’s a recurring injury. … He’s been dealing with hamstring injuries on both legs. I think for him, it does appear more unlikely than likely that he plays in Game 3 tonight.” 

Williams has now injured both hamstrings multiple times. The most recent issue was a strain that popped up in Game 2 of the first round against the Phoenix Suns.

Williams went on to miss the Thunder’s next six games, returning for Game 1 of the conference finals. He logged 37 minutes in Game 1’s loss but played just over 7 minutes in Game 2’s victory before exiting for the locker room and not returning. 

Averaging 17.1 PPG during the regular season, Williams managed to play in just 33 games. The former No. 12 overall NBA Draft pick now has numerous hamstring injuries on his resume, as well as wrist, hip, and ankle problems in the past. 

As Williams’ status continues to be monitored, you can make picks on other Thunder PrizePicks projections for Friday. Popular players include PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, C-PF Chet Holmgren, and more. 

What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Williams Is Out?

If Williams is out, it’s obvious that the Thunder will lack some punch in the scoring department. What do the advanced impact metrics say about his worth to the team this season?

According to databallr, J-Dub owned a regular-season net rating of -1.5, meaning OKC was that many points per 100 possessions worse with him on the floor. That number is -0.8 thus far in the NBA Playoffs, but there’s some sample size noise to account for. Moreover, Williams hasn’t been his best self for the better part of a year.

Three particular players could see more touches with Williams trending in the wrong direction. First and foremost is Gilgeous-Alexander, who scores 6.4 more points per 75 without Williams in the lineup. G Ajay Mitchell is the prime player to watch, though, as his points per 75 (+5.9) and usage rate (+6.1%) both experience huge jumps. 

G Jared McCain is coming off a 26-minute stint in Game 2, which led to him jacking up 14 shots. He’s only played 40 minutes with Williams all season long, so there’s variance here, but he shoots 14.0% better from deep without him.  

Here are the Thunder players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Williams is out, as well as their stat projections for tonight. 

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Spurs Projections: 30.5 Points / 42.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts / 52.5 Fantasy Score
• Ajay Mitchell vs. Spurs Projections: 10.5 Points (Goblin) / 3.5 Rebounds / 3.5 Assists
• Jared McCain vs. Spurs Projections: 9 Points / 1.5 3-PT Made / 12.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts

Gilgeous-Alexander might continue to lead the pack, but someone like Mitchell could once again be relied on to step into Williams’ shoes on Friday night. 

Pick More or Less Thunder player stats on PrizePicks now before tonight’s tip at 8:30. 

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Make Thunder vs. Spurs Game 3 Picks on PrizePicks

With tip-off for Thunder vs. Spurs Game 3 just hours away, all eyes continue to be on the status of Jalen Williams. While his outlook is far from positive, there are still numerous other player projections to choose from at PrizePicks. 

Don't wait — make your Thunder vs. Spurs picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you're right.

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