Thunder forward Jalen Williams will return to action on Monday after missing the team’s past 10 games due to a right hamstring strain, writes Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman. Williams isn’t on Oklahoma City’s injury report for its game in Los Angeles against the Lakers.
It has been a stop-and-start season so far for Williams, who didn’t make his debut until November 28 after recovering from right wrist surgery. The 24-year-old appeared in the Thunder’s next 24 games before going down in Miami on January 17 with his latest injury.
In his 24 appearances, Williams has averaged 16.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 29.6 minutes per night, with a .470/.300/.833 shooting line. With a couple exceptions (his assists represent a career high), those numbers are down across the board from the ones he posted in his All-NBA campaign in 2024/25.
For most of ’25/26, Williams’ extended injury absences and his slight dip in production haven’t mattered for a deep Thunder team that won 24 of its first 25 games and still holds the NBA’s best record. However, the team has been struggling a little – at least by its lofty standards – as of late, with both Williams and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) sidelined.
Oklahoma City lost back-to-back games this week to the Spurs and Rockets without Gilgeous-Alexander and has now dropped five of its last eight games. Williams will be looking to help the club turn things around heading into the All-Star break — after Monday’s matchup with the Lakers, OKC will wrap up its pre-All-Star schedule by visiting Phoenix on Wednesday and then hosting the Bucks on Thursday.
Really hope he is not rushing back because they have a bit of a slide.
Like before the season started, I’m still taking the field everyday that ends in Y. OKC and the Knicks will be breaking the band up sooner rather than later.
OKC is still on pace for 61 wins. Even considering this year’s injuries throughout the league, they still are the favorites for good reasons.
Thunder have the Clippers pick — lottery pick
Thunder have the Sixers pick — top 20
Not even tanking ……. Solid picks. I definitely trade for Giannis ….
@KnickAl
What players do the Bucks get from OKC to match Giannis’ contract?
the trade happens at draft. The extension does not kick in for salary matching.
Chet, J Williams, IHart, A Mitchell, Clippers 2026,
#1, Denver 2027 #1 pick.
Defending champ OKC would never trade their 2nd best player, both centers and Ajay to get Giannis.
Obviously the Bucks would do that in a heartbeat.
Chet isn’t a center. That’s the reason they got IHart. Chet and JWill together are not better than Giannis. He will go down as top 5 best 2way player ever. IHart has an expiring contract. They aren’t keeping him. Sorber can start with Giannis. The Sixer pick this year is a good one top 20. Wallace can start with SGA. They lose nothing. And add a hungry Giannis. Thunder can win three in a row. You have to give up talent to get talent. Thunder would be biggest attraction in sports lol.
Giannis, Sorber, Wallace, SGA, Dort —- starting 5
Turner, Chet, JWill, Porter Jr, Rollins …..
Clippers pick will be lottery.
23 yo Chet (and his 2.0 blocks/gm) isn’t a center is a dumb semantics argument. When IHart (0.7 blocks/gm) is healthy it’s twin towers, when he’s out 7’1″ not a center Chet plays the 5.
Giannis is 31 and injured. He’s unlikely to ever get back to his peak, and obviously he’s not better than all 4 players you first mentioned..
Sorber is 6’9″, that’s not a starting center on a championship team. They’re not going to make your dumb trade even if they don’t repeat.
He will never be a center. He gets pushed around by SG. He is off tge ball and has size. Jokic and Embiid any real center will abuse him. Why do you think they got IHart. He is 208 lbs. thiner than KP. Chet won’t last if he plays inside with real bigs. He is a stretch 4. That needs a real 5 to be successful.
Have you ever watched Sorber lol. He is bigger than Duren. And more physical. He is a better center prospect than Duren. He has a big wingspan. Considered a premier rim protector……. Chet is thinner than Dirk. Chet is solid not star material imo.
You really need to watch Sober tapes. With shoes he is closer to 6’11”. 6’ 9 1/2” flat feet in combine.
“ At the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, Georgetown center Thomas Sorber measured 6’9.25″ barefoot, weighed 262.8 lbs, had a massive 7’6″ wingspan, and a 9’1″ standing reach, showcasing elite length (tied for 2nd longest wingspan among centers) that complemented his defensive skills, particularly his rim protection and help defense, despite being listed at 6’10” on his college roster, as noted by USA Today, “
Thunder don’t need to make trade. I would. I am Spurs or Thunder. I would trade for Giannis.
Sorber got 50 lbs on Chet lol ….. real Size.
Chet is a finesse big. Sorber is REAL size with 2way game. A real Center .