After a 10-game absence, Jalen Williams is set to make his return to the floor Monday night when the Thunder take on the Lakers in Los Angeles. The versatile forward had been sidelined with a right hamstring strain, but he’s officially off Oklahoma City’s injury report - a welcome sight for a team that’s hit a rare rough patch.
It’s been a frustratingly stop-and-go season for Williams, who didn’t suit up until late November after recovering from wrist surgery. Once he got back, he found his rhythm quickly, appearing in 24 straight games before the hamstring issue flared up during a game in Miami on January 17.
In those 24 appearances, Williams averaged 16.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in just under 30 minutes per game. His shooting splits - .470 from the field, .300 from deep, and .833 at the line - show a player still finding his full groove.
The assist numbers are a career high, but overall, his production has dipped slightly from last season’s All-NBA campaign. That said, his impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
Williams’ ability to initiate offense, defend multiple positions, and play with pace makes him a key cog in Oklahoma City’s system.
Up to this point, the Thunder have been able to weather his absence without much issue. They came out of the gates scorching hot, winning 24 of their first 25 games to grab the league’s best record. But lately, the cracks have started to show - at least by their sky-high standards.
With both Williams and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out, OKC has stumbled, dropping five of its last eight, including back-to-back losses this week to the Spurs and Rockets. The offense has looked disjointed at times, and the defense hasn’t had the same bite. Getting Williams back should help stabilize both ends of the floor, especially with Gilgeous-Alexander still nursing an abdominal strain.
The timing couldn’t be more important. Monday’s matchup with the Lakers kicks off a tough three-game stretch heading into the All-Star break.
After L.A., the Thunder head to Phoenix on Wednesday before returning home to face the Bucks on Thursday. It’s a chance to reset, get healthy, and regain some momentum before the season’s second half.
For Williams, it’s also an opportunity to reestablish his rhythm and remind the league just how dynamic he can be. The Thunder are still the team to beat record-wise - and with a healthy Jalen Williams back in the mix, they’ll be looking to prove that their early-season dominance wasn’t just a flash in the pan.