Oklahoma City, OK — The Thunder enter Saturday’s decisive Game 7 against San Antonio unsure how much they can rely on forward Jalen Williams after his limited return from a left hamstring strain.
Williams, back on the floor Thursday following a three-game absence, logged just 10 minutes and finished with one point as Oklahoma City fell 118-91. Head coach Mark Daigneault said the All-NBA forward is “obviously not 100 percent” and insisted the loss was not on Williams. Hamstring problems have bothered the 24-year-old much of the season, leaving the staff to determine his workload for the win-or-go-home matchup.
Magic
Orlando, FL — Guard Anthony Black becomes eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer and said he would welcome a long-term agreement with the Magic. “It’s just an opportunity to officially stamp it as my home,” the 2023 No. 6 overall pick told the Orlando Sentinel.
Black has secured a steady spot in Jamahl Mosley’s rotation, though Orlando already has sizable contracts on the books for Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs. Even so, the 20-year-old emphasized his desire to remain part of the franchise’s core.
Wizards
Washington, DC — Optimism in the nation’s capital is translating to the box office. The Athletic reports the Wizards have generated a 190 percent year-over-year jump in new full-season ticket revenue after acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis and winning the draft lottery. The surge follows several seasons near the bottom of the standings and signals renewed fan interest ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The three organizations now face pivotal off-season decisions, but each is seeing immediate effects — whether on the court or at the gate — as they map out their next steps.
Source: Hoops Wire
