The Thunder are getting a major piece back at the perfect time.
Reporting from downtown Philadelphia, Steve McGehee confirms Jalen Williams is officially good to go for Monday night’s matchup against the 76ers, marking his return after another stint on the injury report due to a hamstring setback.
It’s been a stop-and-start season for Williams. After missing the beginning of the year recovering from offseason wrist surgery, the All-Star forward returned briefly before suffering a hamstring injury, one that was later re-aggravated. Monday’s game will mark just his 27th appearance of the season.
But when he’s been on the floor, Williams has looked like one of the league’s best.
The last time he played, on February 1, he delivered a 28-point performance, a reminder of the impact he brings to Oklahoma City on both ends of the floor.
Now, he rejoins a Thunder team that enters Monday with the best record in the NBA, despite navigating injuries throughout the season, a testament to the depth and consistency built by head coach Mark Daigneault and his staff.
Williams’ return is especially timely.
Oklahoma City will be without guard Ajay Mitchell, who is serving a suspension following an altercation in Washington. Meanwhile, Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams are expected to receive fines stemming from the same incident.
There’s no shortage of storylines in Philadelphia.
Jared McCain is set to face his former team for the first time since being traded to Oklahoma City in February. The rookie guard has been heating up, knocking down at least three 3-pointers in six games this month.
“I’m excited to be back,” McCain said. “I didn’t really get to say goodbye… so I’m looking forward to it.”
For the Thunder, the bigger picture remains clear, getting healthy ahead of the postseason.
With Jalen Williams back in the fold, Oklahoma City has a chance to finally see its full starting group together — something that has been rare this season due to injuries.
If that happens, Monday night could offer a glimpse of what this team looks like at full strength.
And that’s a scary thought for the rest of the NBA.