Thunder's Jalen Williams to miss Spurs showdown

LOS ANGELES, United States — Oklahoma City star Jalen Williams will miss his side's crucial Game Seven showdown with the San Antonio Spurs, the Thunder said Friday (Saturday, Manila time.) 

Williams was ruled unable to play in the huge matchup, with a spot in the NBA Finals at stake, due to a left hamstring strain, according to the injury report.

The Thunder star wing has been hampered by a hamstring issue since the start of the playoffs.

He exited after just seven minutes in game two of the Western Conference finals series against the Spurs, and missed games three, four and five.

Williams managed just 10 minutes in their emphatic Game Six 118-91 loss, and did not feature in the fourth quarter.

Defeat to San Antonio tied the best-of-seven series at 3-3, with the final game taking place in Oklahoma City on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time). 

Williams had played a vital role in the Thunder's successful run to the NBA championship last year.

The victors will play the New York Knicks for this year's title.

The Knicks are in superb form and well rested, after sweeping both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers in an 11-game winning streak on their way to the finals.