Thunder Get Bad Jalen Williams News Before Season Opener vs. Rockets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 11:11 AM ET

The Thunder open up the NBA season tonight against the Rockets.
Jalen Williams is set to miss the game as he recovers from wrist surgery.
Oklahoma City will have a difficult challenge against the new-look Rockets.

A new NBA season is finally upon us tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Houston Rockets in the first game.

The Thunder finally brought home their first championship back in June, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander alongside what is perceived as one of the best supporting casts in the league.

They will face an incredible challenge against the new-look Rockets, who acquired star forward Kevin Durant in the offseason to elevate their treasure trove of young talent.

It doesn’t help that Oklahoma City will be shorthanded after team beat writer Brandon Rahbar reported that All-NBA star Jalen Williams will miss the season opener.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams reacts during Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center.Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

He is still recovering from a wrist injury that he battled through for the duration of the playoffs last season and received surgery on shortly after the NBA Finals.

Jalen Williams (wrist recovery) is out for opening night vs Houston.

But JDub’s ring finger is healthy and ready to be fitted. https://t.co/JBIAxTfkBU
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) October 20, 2025

Williams has improved dramatically in each of his three seasons in the league and played a pivotal role in the Thunder’s championship run.

He was consistently reliable as opposed to his first playoff trip with the team, with his marquee moment being in game five of the finals against the Indiana Pacers, where he poured in 40 points to help Oklahoma City take a 3-2 series lead.

Williams was rewarded with a five-year, $287 million contract for his efforts in the postseason and marked development in his young career.

The Thunder have high hopes again this season with one of the youngest rosters in basketball that also houses arguably the best bench in the association.

There has been no news as of yet about when Williams will return, but Oklahoma City has more than enough firepower to hold down the fort while he recovers.

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

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