JALEN WILLIAMS INJURY STATUS LOOMS LARGE AS THUNDER PREPARE FOR LAKERS SHOWDOWN
The Lakers head to OKC for a high-stakes Round 2 series without Luka Dončić, while the Thunder monitor Jalen Williams' status.
The Lakers handled the Rockets in the first round, wrapping things up in six games. Houston didn’t have Kevin Durant for much of the matchup, but let’s not forget the Lakers went most of the way without Austin Reaves too. And then there’s that guy in street clothes at the end of the bench; he’s not exactly a scrub, either.
Still, even with Luka Doncic out, L.A. won a playoff series. That’s huge. Honestly, if the Lakers drop every game from here on out, you can’t really call this season a flop.
Now, everyone knows what’s up next: the defending champs stand in their way. Almost everyone expects the Thunder to push them aside, but there’s real buzz around this matchup, especially with how both teams have dealt with missing stars. Maybe Doncic isn’t back just yet, but OKC could still be without Jalen Williams as the series gets rolling. Lakers fans are definitely watching Williams’ status as Game 1 creeps up.
The truth is, the Lakers have missed a top player, and so have the Thunder. Oddly enough, neither squad has looked lost without their guy; they just keep finding a way. OKC, in particular, swept the Suns out of the first round, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked every bit the MVP.
If the Thunder roll into Game 1 at the Paycom Center without Williams, you better believe Lakers fans will feel a bit better about their chances early on. Mark Daigneault, Thunder’s head coach, says Williams is progressing in rehab but stopped short of giving a clear return date. Daigneault talked about Williams’ competitive fire, his personality, and what his presence does for the team even if he’s just on the bench for now.
While Lakers fans are keeping an eye on Williams, they're really just hoping Doncic will make it back soon. He’s been out 31 days since tweaking his hamstring against the Thunder, no less. No official return timeline yet, but Brian Windhorst said we might hear something in the next week or so, and another reporter, Brett Siegel, noted he’ll be re-evaluated soon. That could lead to a real update or more waiting.
For now, the Lakers have to start round two without Doncic, and the Thunder still don’t know if Williams will be ready for Game 1. It's all up in the air, and that just makes things even more interesting.
PATRICK MAHOMES CLEARED FOR OTAS; DR. JESSE MORSE PREDICTS A WEEK 1 START
As Patrick Mahomes joins Chiefs OTAs on May 26, the team balances his recovery with NFL PUP list rules and backup Justin Fields.
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Patrick Mahomes just got some really good news about his knee injury. A sports doctor thinks the Chiefs star will be back for Week 1, which honestly feels like the best outcome fans could hope for.
Dr Jesse Morse, a sports medicine specialist in Florida, jumped in after reports surfaced that Mahomes is set to join the Chiefs’ OTAs starting May 26. Morse said, “Great news for Patrick Mahomes. I expect him to start Week 1,” and you can imagine how much hope that sparks among Kansas City fans. If Morse is right, Mahomes could be recovering even faster than expected, which is huge for such a crucial offseason.
Andy Reid echoed this optimism at the rookie minicamp. He said Mahomes has been heavily involved in rehab ever since surgery for his torn ACL and LCL, a brutal injury from the Dec. 14 loss to the Chargers that knocked the Chiefs out of the playoffs for the first time with Mahomes at quarterback.
Reid added, “I know he’s doing a lot of stuff right now. He is throwing the ball. He does it on his own.” Basically, Mahomes isn’t just waiting around. He’s getting after it.
Reid thinks Mahomes could join his teammates at OTAs on May 26-28, though it’s unclear how involved he’ll be. There’s some technical stuff with the NFL’s Physically Unable to Perform list to keep in mind. Once Mahomes sets foot on the practice field, his PUP “clock” starts and cannot be restarted, so the Chiefs need to be careful with timing.
“Once you start the clock, then the clock’s got to be rolling,” Reid said. “You just have to evaluate what you want to do there. But he’s in a position where he can do everything, I think.”
Mahomes himself was never shy about his recovery goals. Back in January, he made it clear he wanted to be back by Week 1 with zero restrictions, and his doctor agreed that was realistic. In March, Mahomes posted a quick video on Instagram showing him dropping back and firing a throw in the gym – the first public look at him working his arm since surgery.
If, for some reason, he needs more time, the Chiefs have options. They brought in Justin Fields this offseason and also have rookie Garrett Nussmeier and veteran Chris Oladokun waiting in the wings.
Mahomes, now 30, has built a record of 95 wins, 31 losses, 267 touchdown passes, and almost 36,000 yards over nine NFL seasons. Last year was rough; he went 6-8 in 14 starts, threw 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, and missed the playoffs for the first time since Andy Reid took over. Still, if history tells us anything, Mahomes always finds a way to bounce back.
CARLOS RODóN POISED FOR MID-MAY ROTATION RETURN FOLLOWING STELLAR SOMERSET PERFORMANCE
"I'm ready," says Carlos Rodón after a 75-pitch gem in Double-A. Get the latest injury updates on the Yankees' dominant staff.
The Yankees have been tearing it up early this season. Sitting at 20-11, they’re leading the American League, and their starting pitchers are a big reason why.
Max Fried and Cam Schlittler have really stepped up at the front of the rotation. Thanks to them, New York’s starters own the best ERA in baseball, 2.74, and that’s with some key arms still missing.
But on Thursday in Somerset, one of those missing pieces finally made progress.
Carlos Rodon Shows He’s Ready
Carlos Rodon took the mound for Double-A Somerset and immediately made an impact. He struck out eight over 5.1 innings, gave up just one run on five hits, and threw exactly 75 pitches, which is right where the Yankees wanted him. It’s another strong performance from a guy who looks closer and closer to coming back with every outing.
After the game, Rodon didn’t hide how he felt.
“I’m ready when they tell me they need me,” he said.
It sounds like he’s waiting for the call. The Yankees will check how his arm feels after this start, and he’ll probably get another rehab game before he comes back. Judging by Thursday, he could be back in the rotation by mid-May.
What Rodon’s Return Means
The Yankees have been winning without Rodon, which makes this even more exciting.
Last year, Rodon had his best season in pinstripes. Thirty-three starts, a third All-Star nod, and a 3.09 ERA. Bringing that version of Rodon back to a rotation already this good? That gives the team a whole new gear.
And it’s not just him; Gerrit Cole is on his way back from Tommy John surgery, aiming for late May or early June. On Wednesday, Cole made his third rehab start in Somerset, pitching 5.2 innings with zero walks. His command has been spot-on.
Put Rodon and Cole together with Fried and Schlittler, and suddenly the Yankees’ starting pitchers are as good as any in the game.
The Bottom Line
It’s hard not to be optimistic if you’re a Yankees fan right now. The rotation is thriving, help is coming, and Rodon looks ready to rejoin the team. He made it clear after his latest start that he wants back in.
The timeline is finally coming together. Once Rodon and Cole are back, the Yankees will be even tougher for the rest of the league.
That moment isn’t far off.
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