Is Jalen Williams playing tonight against Utah Jazz? Latest injury update on Thunder star (Jan. 22)
The OKC Thunder are set to take on the Utah Jazz on Wednesday and could be without star forward Jalen Williams. The former first-round pick is listed as questionable for the game due to a right hip injury and may not be healthy in time for the Jazz's visit to Paycom Center.
Williams missed the Thunder's last game against the Brooklyn Nets with the same hip issue. The 6-foot-5 forward has been a key figure in Mark Daigneault's lineup this season, starting all 41 games before sitting out Sunday's win over the Nets. He ranks second in the roster in minutes per game (32.4), behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (34.1).
The Thunder are off to a flying start this season and currently hold the best record in the Western Conference. They have won 35 of their first 42 games and have lost just twice at the Paycom Center this season. A major factor in the Thunder's early season success has been Jalen Williams' production on the offensive and defensive front.
This season, Williams has contributed in all facets of the game, averaging 20.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per contest.
If Williams is sidelined for Wednesday's encounter, expect to see Aaron Wiggins, Luguentz Dort, Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Joe receive more minutes.
Following their game against the Jazz, the Thunder face a tricky run of games that includes the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. They will hope to have Jalen Williams back in the lineup promptly as they look to maintain their lead in the West over the coming weeks.
Jalen Williams records season-high 33 points in a win over the Miami Heat
Jalen Williams has been one of the OKC Thunder's most consistent players over the first half of the season. The third-year forward is recording career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
One of Williams' best performances came against the Miami Heat on Dec. 20. Williams finished with a game-high 33 points, shooting 12-of-25 from the field. In a close contest, Williams came through with a clutch 3-pointer late in the fourth to guide his team to a 104-97 victory.
Williams had another standout performance against the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 6, finishing just one assist shy of a triple-double. He recorded 29 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and three steals on the night in one of his most complete performances of the season.