NBA Notes: Thunder, Jalen Williams, Raptors, RJ Barrett, Celtics

Thunder

The Thunder now have a clearer, if still uncomfortable, picture with Jalen Williams.

Williams’ right hamstring strain will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks, the team’s PR department announced. That lines up with the initial expectation that the injury would sideline him for multiple weeks.

Williams was hurt during Saturday’s loss in Miami, grabbing at the back of his right leg midway through the second quarter before limping off. While the Thunder initially labeled it thigh soreness, the follow-up confirmed the hamstring strain.

The timing stings. Williams already missed the first 19 games of the season after undergoing two surgeries on his right wrist. In 24 appearances, he’s averaged 16.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, continuing to anchor both ends when healthy.

Williams did not speak publicly after the game but posted a cryptic Instagram image that hinted at frustration. In the meantime, Chet Holmgren is expected to take on a larger scoring role if Williams remains out.

Raptors

The Raptors are cautiously optimistic about RJ Barrett.

Barrett has missed 21 of the past 27 games with knee and ankle issues but showed no ill effects after a hard workout before Sunday’s game, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange. There is hope he can return during the current road trip, possibly by Wednesday in Sacramento.

The outlook is less encouraging for Jakob Poeltl, who has barely played since mid-December due to a lower back strain. Poeltl went through pregame work but remains short of full speed, complicating Toronto’s ability to move him before the deadline.

Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles filled in at center but exited Sunday after taking a hit to the hand. X-rays were negative, and he was diagnosed with a bruised thumb.

Celtics

Sam Hauser flirted with history Saturday and came up just short.

Hauser tied Marcus Smart with 11 made threes in a game but missed his final six attempts while chasing the record, per The Athletic’s Jay King.

“At that point, it was just like, let’s get them up,” Hauser said. “And then I got dead tired.”

The looks were there. The legs were not.