TL;DR
- Oklahoma City Thunder lead NBA with 15-1 record, on seven-game win streak.
- Jalen Williams, out since July surgery, nearing return from wrist injury.
- Williams had surgery for a torn scapholunate ligament sustained in 2025 Playoffs.
- Thunder await Williams' return, potentially for Sunday's game versus Portland Trail Blazers.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have become the clear front-runner to repeat as NBA champions so far this 2025-26 season. While currently riding a seven-game win streak, the Thunder have a 15-1 record and are three games ahead of any other team in the Western Conference.
Despite not having one of their best players to start the season in Jalen Williams, multiple other players have been able to step up and continue the impressive outings.
Williams, 24, won't be available for The Thunder's Friday game versus the Utah Jazz, as reported by Thunder insider Clemente Almanza. Although this marks his 17th consecutive absence, he's getting closer to playing again.
The Thunder's lineup is awaiting the return of Jalen Williams.
The 2025 All-Star had surgery to fix a torn ligament in his right wrist, specifically the scapholunate. This injury occurred during the Thunder's championship pursuit in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Williams continued his impressive third year in the league during the playoffs while playing with the injury, where he averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 44.9 percent from the field.
Williams underwent surgery in July. While a definitive return date remains unconfirmed, he's progressing towards being ready to play. His next chance to take the court is Sunday when the Thunder face off against the Portland Trail Blazers.
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