The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from the NBA Finals. They lead the San Antonio Spurs 2-1 in the Western Conference Finals. They head into Sunday’s Game 4 at Frost Bank Center.
OKC is also dealing with a growing injury list that could threaten their momentum right now.
What Is Ajay Mitchell’s Injury Status?
Ajay Mitchell exited Game 3 in the second half after a heated series of events. It included a flagrant foul on Stephon Castle and a then scuffle with Devin Vassell. He played 17 minutes before the calf injury forced him out.
The Thunder won by 15 without him, but he plays a pivotal role in their rotation. Now, they have suffered a major blow right before the game.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has been ruled out for Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs with a right calf strain.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 23, 2026
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Mitchell has been officially ruled out for Game 4 with a right calf strain. He will not play.
Jalen Williams, who missed Game 3 entirely with left hamstring soreness, is listed as questionable for tonight and will be the next name to watch on the injury report before tip.
The timing could not be worse for Oklahoma City. Mitchell has been one of the most important players in this postseason run. He finished fifth in Sixth Man of the Year voting and stepped into the starting lineup in every game Williams missed.
In the six games Williams sat out across the first two rounds, Mitchell averaged 21.2 points and 5.3 assists. He helped OKC sweep the Los Angeles Lakers series as a starter, putting up 22.5 points per game.
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His absence raises questions about the starting guard spot. If Williams is also ruled out before tip, the Thunder will line up someone alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the starting five. Alex Caruso and Jared McCain could take up that spot.
The Thunder’s bench put up 76 points in Game 3. They have enough depth to deal with their absences if it comes to that.
The Spurs, on the other hand, welcomed back both De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper in Game 3. San Antonio needs a win tonight to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole at home. All eyes will be on Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the youngsters will try to lead their injury-depleted rosters.