Thunder’s Jalen Williams Set to Return Against 76ers
Oklahoma City Thunder fans have reason to celebrate as star forward Jalen Williams is slated to return to action Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers. The news comes after Williams has been sidelined for over five weeks due to a strained right hamstring, according to ESPN sources.
Injury History and Road to Recovery
Williams’ 2025-26 season has been marked by injury challenges. He initially missed 19 games recovering from surgery on his right wrist, an injury sustained during the 2024-25 regular season. He then experienced two hamstring strains, the first in January and the second in February. The recent hamstring issue forced him to miss 10 games before his return, followed by another aggravation that kept him off the court for an additional 16 contests.
Impact on the Thunder
The Thunder are hopeful Williams’ return will provide a boost as they head into the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for the playoffs. His absence has been felt, as he has been limited to just 26 games this season. The team will also be without Ajay Mitchell, who is suspended following an altercation.
Williams’ Performance and Outlook
Despite his injury setbacks, Williams remains a key component of the Thunder’s success. He is averaging 17.5 points per game this season, while shooting a career-low 31.3% from three-point range. Prior to his injuries, Williams was a third-team All-NBA selection last season.
“He was really gutsy tonight,” Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He stepped into big plays. Felt like every time we needed a shot, he made it. He wasn’t afraid. He was fearless tonight.”
ESPN
The Thunder will be looking for Williams to regain his rhythm in the remaining 11 regular season games.
| Jalen Williams | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | OKC | 75 | 30:21 | 52.1 | 35.6 | 81.2 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 4.5 | 3.3 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 14.1 |
| 2023-24 | OKC | 71 | 31:19 | 54.0 | 42.7 | 81.4 | 0.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 19.1 |
| 2024-25 | OKC | 69 | 32:25 | 48.4 | 36.5 | 78.9 | 0.9 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.1 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 0.7 | 21.6 |
| 2025-26 | OKC | 26 | 29:02 | 47.9 | 31.3 | 83.3 | 0.7 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 5.4 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 17.5 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
FAQ
- When is Jalen Williams expected to return? He is expected to play Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers.
- What injuries has Jalen Williams dealt with this season? He has battled a wrist injury and two hamstring strains.
- What was Jalen Williams’ All-NBA selection? He was a third-team All-NBA selection last season.
The Thunder will need Williams at his best as they push for playoff contention. His return provides a significant lift to their championship aspirations.