OKC Thunder Gain All-NBA Swingman Back For 76ers Matchup

Jalen Williams returns from hamstring injury to bolster Thunder lineup against playoff-chasing 76ers.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:04pm

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to welcome back All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams for their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Williams has been sidelined for the past 16 games due to a hamstring injury, but is now ready to rejoin the Thunder's rotation as they aim to maintain the top seed in the Western Conference. The 76ers are fighting for playoff positioning in the East, making this an important cross-conference clash.

Why it matters

Williams' return is a major boost for the Thunder, who have the best record in the NBA at 56-15 and are seeking their third straight No. 1 seed in the West. His presence will help strengthen Oklahoma City's lineup as they prepare for a potential NBA Finals preview against the Boston Celtics later this week.

The details

Williams last played on Feb. 11, when he put up 28 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists in 20 minutes against the Phoenix Suns before suffering the hamstring injury. The Thunder have gone 10-6 in his absence, but are eager to have their All-NBA swingman back as they make a push towards the playoffs. While the 76ers represent a tougher opponent than some of the teams the Thunder have faced recently, the matchup should serve as a good ramp-up game for Williams to get his legs back under him.

  • Williams has been sidelined for the past 16 games due to a hamstring injury.
  • Williams last played on Feb. 11 against the Phoenix Suns.

The players

Jalen Williams

An All-NBA swingman for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is returning from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for the past 16 games.

Philadelphia 76ers

An Eastern Conference team currently fighting for playoff positioning, making their matchup against the Thunder an important cross-conference clash.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The team with the best record in the NBA at 56-15, seeking their third straight No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

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What’s next

The Thunder will face the Boston Celtics in a potential NBA Finals preview on Wednesday after their matchup against the 76ers.

The takeaway

Williams' return is a timely boost for the Thunder as they look to maintain their position atop the Western Conference standings and gear up for a deep playoff run. His presence will help strengthen Oklahoma City's lineup and provide valuable reps ahead of their showdown with the Celtics.