The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without guard Ajay Mitchell for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals after he was ruled out with a right calf strain. Mitchell’s injury occurred during the Thunder’s Game 3 win over the San Antonio Spurs. With Jalen Williams also sidelined due to a left hamstring injury, the Thunder are losing two key perimeter players at a crucial stage of the series.
Mitchell has been instrumental for Oklahoma City in Williams’ absence during the playoffs. Over 10 playoff games, the second-year guard has averaged 16.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.7 steals. His performance has helped fill the void left by Williams, who has been a key contributor for the Thunder this season.
Williams, who averages 17.2 points and 4.1 assists per game in the regular season, is expected to miss his third consecutive contest. His absence has already forced Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault to adjust his rotation, and the loss of Mitchell adds another layer of difficulty. Daigneault now has to decide who steps into the starting wing role while maintaining defensive continuity and offensive production.
The Thunder currently lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 after a dominant performance in Game 3. Their goal is to take a 3-1 series lead before returning home for Game 5. Without Mitchell and Williams, the Thunder will need contributions from players like Tyus Jones and Chet Holmgren to maintain their advantage.
San Antonio has struggled to contain Oklahoma City’s perimeter defense and ball movement in the series. The Spurs will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Thunder’s backcourt rotation. With the Thunder holding a 13.4-point advantage in turnover differential this postseason, consistency will be key for both teams.
The Thunder and Spurs will face off again on Thursday night in San Antonio. The Thunder aim to close out the series on the road before returning to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Saturday. A win would put them one step closer to a Western Conference Finals sweep.
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2026 World Cup roster has reportedly been finalized ahead of the official announcement, with 13 first-time call-ups set to make their mark on the biggest stage in soccer. According to The Guardian, the U.S. Soccer Federation will unveil the final 26-man squad on Tuesda
2 hours ago
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are reportedly close to a blockbuster trade that would send Morgan Rielly to Vancouver in exchange for Filip Hronek. The deal addresses immediate needs for both teams and aligns with hockey logic, salary cap flexibility, and personal considerations for R
3 hours ago
The New York Yankees have signed right-handed pitcher Peter Strzelecki to a minor league contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Strzelecki will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after clearing waivers following his designation for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers earlier t
3 hours ago
The Texas Rangers have reclaimed first baseman Blaine Crim off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. Crim has been optioned to Triple-A Round Rock, while right-hander Carter Baumler was moved from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL to create a 40-man roster spot.
3 hours ago