Thunder may be without two key players for rest of season

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Thunder may be without Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace for remainder of season

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 26, 2026 6:35 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder were undoubtedly once again among the favorites to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.

While those championship aspirations haven't gone away, the pursuit and path to a second championship in three seasons got extremely tough with injury updates on Monday.

Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace will miss extended time

Oklahoma City suffered injuries to both Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace in Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Both looked like serious injuries, and the extent of both injuries was revealed on Monday.

According to ESPN's NBA insider Shama Charania, Williams suffered a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula, while Wallace suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Both will be undergoing surgery and will be sidelined for several months and likely the remainder of the season. Thunder GM Sam Presti said that a more exact timeline for each player would be revealed after surgeries are complete.

BREAKING: Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams has a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula; Cason Wallace has a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Both will undergo surgery and be sidelined for several months -- most, if not the entire season. pic.twitter.com/62OxZtIGRc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 26, 2026

Oklahoma City will need several players to step up

With the absence of two important pieces in Williams and Wallace, Oklahoma City will need several players to step up.

Whether that be increased production from key bench pieces like Jared McCain or Ajay Mitchell, or a contribution from rookie Bennett Stirtz, someone is going to have to fill the vacated roles.

A path back to the NBA Finals for the second time in three seasons won't be an easy one, but the Thunder may be the most well-equipped team to power through the injuries and continue to be one of the best teams in the NBA.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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