Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams unable to return vs. Nuggets with hip strain

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be without his number two as he attempts to beat rival MVP candidate Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets for a second consecutive game.

Oklahoma City Thunder wing Jalen Williams sustained a right hip strain and was ruled out of Monday’s game after the first half.

A first-time All-Star in 2025, Williams is averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.7 steals this season.

The 23-year old is second on the Western Conference-leading Thunder in scoring, assists, and steals.

Fellow Thunder wing Aaron Wiggins, who is also in the midst of a breakout season, will need to step up in Williams’ absence.

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