Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams is expected to play his first game of the season on Friday night when the Thunder host the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 23-year-old has not appeared since undergoing surgery in July to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist, an injury that bothered him throughout the 2025 postseason. A second procedure in late October removed an irritating screw, and the club has managed his recovery cautiously ever since.
Head coach Mark Daigneault listed Williams as “day-to-day” before Wednesday’s victory over Minnesota. Charania reported that the organization plans to continue a measured approach even after the forward returns to game action.
Thunder Thriving in His Absence
Oklahoma City enters Friday at 18-1 with the best point differential through 19 games in league history. Williams rejoins a roster that reached the NBA Finals last season and defeated Indiana in seven games.
Accolades and Contract Status
Williams earned All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defensive honors in 2025. He will not meet the 65-game minimum required for postseason awards this season but is finishing the final year of his rookie deal at $6.6 million. A five-year maximum extension, projected at $41.5 million annually, begins next season.
Tip-off between the Thunder and Suns is set for Friday at Paycom Center.
Source: Hoops Wire
