Thunder's Jalen Williams set to return from injury vs. Lakers

The young forward has missed 10 games due to a right hamstring strain.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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After missing 10 consecutive games due to a right hamstring strain, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams is set to make his return in Monday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams has averaged 16.8 points, 5.6 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 24 games this season.

Why it matters

The Thunder have lost five of their last 10 games amid a slew of injuries to key players, including All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Having Williams, one of Oklahoma City's prime offensive creators and lock down defenders, back is good news as the Thunder look to maintain their lead atop the Western Conference standings.

The details

Williams was forced to leave a game against the Miami Heat early due to the right hamstring injury and has missed the previous three weeks. The Thunder will look to snap their two-game skid after losing to the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets in their last two games.

  • Williams missed the first 19 games of the regular season due to two surgeries to repair torn ligaments in his right wrist.
  • Williams' return from the wrist injury lasted 24 games before he suffered the right hamstring injury against the Miami Heat.
  • Williams has missed the previous 10 consecutive games due to the right hamstring strain.

The players

Jalen Williams

A young forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has been sidelined with a right hamstring strain.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

An All-Star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has also been dealing with injuries this season.

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What they’re saying

“It sucks — it's a very annoying process. Nobody's going to be more frustrated than me when shots are short, when they're not, but it's just one of those things I've learned throughout the game. And it's not like I'm on a bad team, where I come and jack 40 shots, and figure it out that way. Again, this injury is not something that you get; you have two hand surgeries, and you're good to go.”

— Jalen Williams (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The Thunder will look to avoid a three-game skid in Monday's matchup against the Lakers.

The takeaway

The return of Jalen Williams is a much-needed boost for the Thunder as they look to maintain their lead atop the Western Conference standings despite a recent stretch of injuries to key players.