Thunder to reevaluate Jalen Williams after All-Star break
Oklahoma City's swingman Jalen Williams will be reexamined after the NBA All-Star break following a recurrence of a right hamstring strain, the team confirmed Thursday night (ET). Williams was held out of the Thunder's 110-93 loss to Milwaukee and will undergo further evaluation once the league pauses for the midseason showcase.
Recurring hamstring problem interrupts hot stretch
Williams first sustained the hamstring issue on Jan. 17 and missed 10 games before returning earlier this week. He delivered an impactful 23-point performance in Monday night's road win over the Lakers (ET) and followed that with an efficient explosion against the Suns on Wednesday (ET), scoring 28 points on 11-of-12 shooting in just 20 minutes. He exited in the third quarter after grabbing the same right hamstring and did not return.
The recent setback marks the second time in less than four weeks that the hamstring has forced Williams out of action. The team has elected a cautious path, opting to delay a definitive return timetable until the post-All-Star evaluation. That approach is intended to avoid protracted reinforcement of the injury and to give Williams the best chance to rejoin the lineup fully healthy for the stretch run.
Health picture complicates rotations and playoff outlook
Williams' absence compounds a broader availability issue for the roster. The club is already navigating extended absences from key perimeter players sidelined with abdominal strains. With multiple rotation pieces limited, the team has leaned on depth and positional versatility to sustain its schemes on both ends.
Williams signed a maximum contract extension after playing a major role in last season's championship run and has been a focal point of the offense when available. This season he missed the first 19 games while recovering from surgery on his right wrist and has had to reestablish his rhythm multiple times. He currently averages 17. 5 points, 4. 7 rebounds and 5. 4 assists per game.
Outlook and stakes after the break
With the All-Star break approaching, the upcoming evaluation will be pivotal for roster planning and minutes distribution down the stretch. A timely and full recovery for Williams would be a major boost: when healthy he offers shot creation, playmaking and wing defense that elevate the entire offense. If the team needs to manage his workload more conservatively, expect increased minutes for reserve wings and adjustments to lineup construction to cover his two-way impact.
Coaching staff and medical personnel will use the break to assess the severity of the strain and map out a rehabilitation timeline. For now, the club is prioritizing long-term availability over a short-term return, mindful of the cumulative toll of recurring soft-tissue injuries on players during a grueling season. Fans and analysts will be watching for updates once the league resumes play after the All-Star festivities.
