Feb. 8, 2026, 7:09 p.m. CT
Help has arrived. The Oklahoma City Thunder will see Jalen Williams return in Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was not listed on OKC’s injury report, signaling his return.
Williams has missed their last 10 games with a hamstring strain he sustained in their Jan. 17 loss to the Miami Heat. Over the last couple of weeks, he’s slowly ramped up his physical activity at both the practice facility and in pregame warmups.
The Thunder have desperately needed Williams’ help. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been sidelined for two games and will miss at least three more with an abdominal strain. The reigning MVP will be re-evaluated after the NBA All-Star break.
But with Williams and Chet Holmgren, they provide the Thunder with enough star power to at least survive the rough waters without Gilgeous-Alexander. The former has been plagued by injuries all season. He missed OKC’s first 19 games recovering from his torn wrist ligaments that he played through in their championship run these past playoffs.
Williams has averaged 16.8 points on 47% shooting, 5.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 24 games this season.
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