Jalen Williams posts cryptic message after being ruled out vs 76ers

The Oklahoma City Thunder are tied for the best record in the tough Western Conference. While many expected this young core to make a leap, this is a stellar start for the rising stars. However, in the midst of the longest active winning streak in the NBA, the Thunder have missed Jalen Williams for the past two games.

When Jalen Williams was initially ruled out in Portland on the second night of a back-to-back against the Bulls, it seemed like a creative way to gain rest for the starting power forward.

Jalen Williams, listed as out against the 76ers, posted a cryptic message on TikTok after the news was announced.

All we were aware of from Mark Daigneault is he woke up sore from an injury he played through at the end of last week’s Golden State game.

Under that assumption, it appeared the OKC Thunder were able to sacrifice two games for the benefit of six days off ahead of a tough matchup with the 76ers on Saturday. However, Mark Daigneault announced at Friday’s practice that Jalen Williams would miss that contest against Embiid’s 76ers.

Following this tilt with Philadelphia, the Thunder again have consecutive off days before playing Minnesota on Tuesday. So, at the very least, Jalen Williams will have missed three games for the gain of nine days off if he is able to go against the Wolves in the Thunder’s final pool play game of the In-Season Tournament.

However, Jalen Williams posted a cryptic video on TikTok following this news. A Black and White filter with sad music in the background as a montage of his OKC Thunder highlights plays with the caption “Injured Dub :(” which has left fans raising their eyebrows.

This could easily be nothing. It all likelihood it is. Of everyone on the OKC Thunder roster, not only is Jalen Williams the most active on social media, he is the best at it. He understands what will get attention and what will get the people talking, and he seemingly loves sifting through the reactions to his posts.

However, if the OKC Thunder will be without Jalen Williams longer than expected, this could quickly derail them momentarily during a tough stretch in the season. Including this game against the 76ers, the OKC Thunder play five teams with winning records in their next six games.

The only other player on the OKC Thunder injury report is Lindy Waters III (back). He is questionable after leaving the game against Chicago early with this injury.