OKLAHOMA CITY –

Jalen Williams is finally getting something he didn’t have earlier this season, time.

After missing training camp while recovering from offseason wrist surgery, the Thunder forward said a rare break in the schedule has allowed him to stack consecutive workout days and truly work on his game, rather than adjusting on the fly during high-stakes moments. For Williams, the pause has felt less like downtime and more like a reset.

“It’s been good just because I didn’t have training camp or anything,” Williams said. “This has been the first time I’ve got consecutive days to actually work out and utilize both my hands.”

A training-camp feel in December

Those days have taken on a training-camp feel inside the Thunder practice facility. Williams described extended film sessions, a return to core team principles, and honest evaluations of what has worked and what hasn’t as Oklahoma City moves deeper into the season.

The Thunder used the time to revisit details that are hard to address during a packed schedule, allowing players to reconnect and re-calibrate.

“This is the first time I’ve gotten consecutive days to actually work out,” Williams said. “We’ve been able to have a training-camp-type flow, reintegrate our principles, watch film, and really dissect why we’ve been successful and where we need to be better.”

Adjusting after months of compensation

The adjustment hasn’t been seamless.

After months of relying heavily on his left hand, Williams admitted reintegrating his right has thrown off his balance at times, particularly with his handle. Still, he views the discomfort as part of a process that will pay off as the Thunder continue to chase wins.

“That’s been the hardest part, trying to figure out what’s still uncomfortable while you’re also trying to win meaningful games,” Williams said.

Defensive growth and roster versatility

Defensively, Williams believes he’s taken a step forward this season. He pointed to conditioning as an underrated skill that’s helped him stay effective night after night, even as his offensive game continues to round back into form.

He also emphasized the importance of versatility across the roster, noting that roles will continue to shift as the Thunder move closer to full strength.

“You never know what the season will throw at you,” Williams said. “The fact that guys understand what it takes to win and are flexible in whatever role it is just makes our team better.”

Thunder return home refreshed

For the first time in a while, the Oklahoma City Thunder as a whole were able to pause.

After weeks of nonstop basketball and a trip to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup semifinals, the defending NBA champions finally caught their breath. Now, the Thunder return to action Thursday night at Paycom Center, hosting the Los Angeles Clippers after their longest break between games this season.

The timing couldn’t have been better.

Oklahoma City played with its expected starting lineup for the first time all year in Saturday’s 111–109 loss to San Antonio a game that snapped a franchise-record 16-game winning streak, but also provided clarity.

Clippers searching for answers

Los Angeles enters Thursday’s matchup at 6–20, coming off a 121–103 loss to Memphis and having dropped four straight games and nine of its last 10. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said the issues go beyond X’s and O’s.

“When it gets hard, you’ve got to get tougher mentally,” Lue said. “Instead of getting discouraged, we’ve got to do things even better.”

Defense still sets the tone

The Thunder lead the NBA in turnovers forced (16.9 per game) and points off turnovers (25 per game). In the first meeting between the teams on Nov. 4, Oklahoma City turned defense into offense, outscoring the Clippers 34–12 off turnovers and 28–6 on the fast break in a 126–107 win in Los Angeles.

Williams added that recent minutes alongside Isaiah Hartenstein have been valuable as the team builds chemistry something that’s been difficult with so many moving pieces early in the season.

Injury report: Clippers vs. Thunder

The Los Angeles Clippers will be shorthanded when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, with several key contributors ruled out or listed as questionable.

Clippers injuries

Bradley Beal — Out (left hip fracture)James Harden — Out (left calf contusion)Derrick Jones Jr. — Out (right knee sprain)Yanic Konan Niederhauser — Out (left knee soreness)Chris Paul — Out (not with team)Cam Christie — Questionable (right foot soreness)

The absences of Beal and Harden significantly limit the Clippers’ offensive options, placing even more responsibility on Kawhi Leonard and the remaining rotation players.

Thunder injuries

Isaiah Hartenstein — Out (right soleus injury; injury management)

Injury report updated Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. CT.

Where and When to Watch

Time: 7 p.m. CT
Location: Paycom Center Oklahoma City
TV: FanDuel Sports OK, NBA TV