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Jalen Williams Gets Massive Update Before Thunder-Celtics

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 8:13 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in Boston for a big-time matchup against the NBA's defending champions.

While the Boston Celtics are the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, they remain one of the favorites to win the title this season.

However, the Thunder will be facing a steeper challenge than it seems, as they will be without Jalen Williams, who didn't make the team's current trip.

Oklahoma City will be on the road for six days, which offers plenty of time for Williams to rehab his hip injury. Currently, he has no timetable for his return.

Williams has been stellar this season, picking up his first All-Star appearance in his young career. The Santa Clara product is averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season.

The Thunder will certainly hope the injury is something short-term and won't impact their playoff run by any means.

Currently, Oklahoma City has earned their postseason stay and could lock in their playoff spot with a win over the Celtics.

Thunder get massive Williams injury update before Celtics game

Before the Thunder's contest against the Celtics on the road, ESPN's Shams Charania gave a massive update on Williams' update.

Charania revealed that Williams won't miss much time with his hip injury, which Brandon Rahbar shared on X.

"Jalen Williams not expected to miss an extended amount of time per [Charania]," Rahbar posted.

Jalen Williams not expected to miss an extended amount of time per @ShamsCharania
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) March 12, 2025

This is massive news for the Thunder, who will have to lean on Shai Gilegous-Alexnader's brilliance a bit more than normal while being without his co-star.

Chet Holmgren and Aaron Wiggins are two players who can step up in Williams' absence as well.

How Oklahoma City fares without the All-Star and how soon he is able to return to the hardwood will be interesting for fans to keep an eye on.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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