The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to the best start in the NBA again and the defending champions are about to get their second-leading scorer.
Jalen Williams, who emerged as a vital sidekick beside league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the Thunder’s rise to the top of the standings, has yet to play this season ahead of Oklahoma City’s 20th game on the schedule against the Phoenix Suns in NBA Cup action on Friday, Nov. 28. But that appears to be changing soon after the team upgraded the status of their second-leading scorer earlier this week.
Here’s the latest on Williams’ potential 2025-26 season debut, as well as an injury update now that the Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing to welcome him back to the lineup:
Is Jalen Williams playing today?
Yes. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard is set to make his 2025-26 season debut against the Phoenix Suns in an NBA Cup game on Friday, Nov. 28.
Jalen Williams injury update
The Thunder removed Williams from their injury report for the first time this season before Friday’s game against the Suns, an indication the 24-year-old has been given full clearance to return to NBA action.
Williams underwent offseason surgery on his right wrist after playing through a torn ligament during last year’s championship run. He then had an additional procedure on Oct. 31 to remove a screw that had been causing irritation during the final portions of his rehab process. Thunder officials said at the time he would be re-evaluated in 10 to 14 days.
Thunder coach Mark Daignault told reporters on Wednesday Williams was “day-to-day” and praised his work ethic in getting back onto the court.
Mark Daigneault on Jalen Williams’ recovery: “Day to day and is doing a great job. There’s so much invisible work that goes into a return to play that you guys don’t get the opportunity to see and we don’t even get the opportunities. I rolled in this morning getting ready for our… pic.twitter.com/Ogh9Jq6KN5
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 26, 2025
Jalen Williams contract
Williams signed a 5-year, $239-million contract extension with the Thunder in June and it begins next season. But the deal can’t be upgraded to a supermax contract because Williams already missed too many games to earn all-NBA honors this season. Williams’ deal could have increased to as much as $287 million.
Jalen Williams stats
Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game during the 2024-25 regular season last year. He averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Williams also earned all-NBA and all-defense honors for the first time last season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Williams injury update: Thunder star set for NBA season debut
