Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams has been removed from the injury report and is expected to play Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending an 18-game absence to start the 2025-26 season.
The 30-year-old veteran underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in late September, shortly before training camp opened. At the time, the Thunder projected a six-to-eight-week recovery timetable. A little more than eight weeks later, the sixth-year Thunder player has been cleared for action.
Williams, who turns 31 next Tuesday, appeared in 69 games last season, averaging 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 16.4 minutes while shooting 48.3 percent from the field, 38.6 percent from three-point range and 71.8 percent at the foul line. He also logged minutes in 16 of Oklahoma City’s 23 postseason contests during the franchise’s championship run in the spring.
Besides being one of the club’s longest-tenured players, Williams is the second-oldest member of the roster and a key locker-room presence. “He’s a leader,” center Isaiah Hartenstein said. “You hear his voice during games and practices. Having him back is really cool. He’s still been a force even when he wasn’t playing.”
While Williams is set to return, the Thunder remain shorthanded. Forward Jalen Williams (wrist surgery) has yet to play this season, guard Aaron Wiggins (adductor strain) will miss his 10th consecutive game, and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is listed as questionable with an illness.
Despite early injuries, Oklahoma City enters Wednesday’s divisional matchup with a league-best 17-1 record.
Source: Hoops Rumors
