Jalen Williams has been absent for the majority of the 2025-26 season. Williams is considered to be a key figure for the Oklahoma City Thunder, which made not having him in the lineup a concerning factor.
Thankfully, the Thunder managed without his presence, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has efficiently carried the team to success all season long. After missing an abundant number of games, many are now wondering if Williams is healthy enough to make a return this season.
Jalen Williams Expected to Return for Oklahoma City Thunder Against Philadelphia 76ers
Williams has arguably had the worst season of his career. This is due to the plethora of injuries he has dealt with. Most recently, Williams sustained a strained right hamstring.
The injury initially took place on Jan. 17, when the Thunder took on the Miami Heat. It happened during the second quarter of the game.
Williams drove inside the paint and came to an abrupt stop as he passed the ball to Chet Holmgren. This resulted in Williams clutching the back of his right leg.
Williams was then forced to sit out 10 games before making his return in February. Then, on Feb. 11, Williams re-injured the same leg when the Thunder took on the Phoenix Suns.
The injury occurred in the third quarter when Williams was going for a fast-break layup. After the attempt, Williams once again clutched his right hamstring and went to the locker room.
Since then, Williams has sat out for five weeks. He has missed 16 consecutive games. Luckily, the Thunder have proven to be a strong team even without a key figure like Williams by their side.
The question now is whether he will make his return soon, with only 11 games remaining in the regular season. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Williams is expected to make his return on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers.
“Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams is off the injury report and will return to action on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers,” Charania reported on X. “Williams missed the last 5-plus weeks due to a hamstring strain, and now is back with 11 regular-season games left.”
Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams is off the injury report and will return to action on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, multiple sources tell ESPN. Williams missed the last 5-plus weeks due to a hamstring strain, and now is back with 11 regular-season games left. pic.twitter.com/FNUSWbM4Lm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 22, 2026
Despite his lack of playing time, Williams still managed to put up solid numbers for the Thunder in the 26 games he’s played. Williams is currently averaging 17.5 points, 5.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. Getting him back in the lineup will undoubtedly bolster the team’s dominance in the league.
