Thunder's Jalen Williams Ruled Out For Pivotal Game 7 vs. Spurs

It's a winner-take-all scenario in the Western Conference Finals as the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to host the San Antonio Spurs for a decisive Game 7 of their hard-fought series.

Headlined by two MVP candidates, the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, the matchup is sure to entertain as both teams fight for the final opportunity to face the New York Knicks for an NBA championship.

While both superstars will be on the floor, the Thunder will be without one key role player, ESPN"s Shams Charania reported ahead of the game: guard Jalen Williams.

For more on what Oklahoma City will have to do to topple San Antonio and advance to the NBA Finals, Thunder Roundtable writer Braxton Reynolds has a preview breaking down the key matchups headed into the game without Williams.

The 6-foot-5, 211-pound guard has been a key contributor for the team throughout the playoffs averaging 14.4 points per game while shooting 41.7% from three-point range and playing just 21.4 minutes per game. He will now be unavailable for Oklahoma City as he manages a hamstring injury.

On one hand, this move could make it more likely that Williams can contribute early on in the Finals series should the Thunder advance. On the other, it makes the task of advancing more of a challenge.

The Thunder backcourt will need other role players to step. up in Williams' absence along with a surge from MVP-winner Gilgeous-Alexander. 

Three-point shooting will be in focus for Oklahoma City in this matchup. In the Thunder's last two losses they've shot 25% or worse from long range. Revitalizing the three-ball will be key to advancing. 

Williams' 41.7% shooting average from three is third best on the team in the postseason. Expect guard Alex Caruso, who is No. 2 on that list shooting 47.1% in the playoffs from long range, to be a key piece in making up for the injury loss and in providing a jolt to the team's shooting beyond the arc.