Oklahoma City Thunder faces a significant challenge in Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs due to the absence of key players Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. Both athletes are sidelined by injuries that have affected their performance throughout the series.

Player Injuries Impacting Thunder

Jalen Williams’s left hamstring strain has been a recurring problem during the playoffs. His physical setbacks led him to miss 49 games during the regular season. As for the playoffs, Williams has already been absent for 10 matches, leaving his team short in pivotal encounters. Though he played briefly in Game 6, the strain continues to limit his participation.

Ajay Mitchell, initially stepping in for Williams, is also sidelined due to a strained right soleus muscle. Consequently, Oklahoma City has had to rely on Jared McCain stepping into the lineup alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, and Chet Holmgren.

In contrast, the Spurs enter Game 7 without any reported injuries, offering them an advantage as they prepare for the decisive clash.

Referee Assignments for Game 7

The NBA has announced Marc Davis, John Goble, and Josh Tiven as the referees for this crucial match. Notably, this is the second Game 7 assignment in these playoffs for Davis and Tiven. Davis previously officiated the final match between Cleveland and Detroit during Round 2, while Tiven managed Game 7 between Orlando and Detroit in Round 1.

The stage is set for what promises to be an intense and pivotal game in the Western Conference finals.