Throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, the OKC Thunder have struggled mightily with health-related issues.
From stud big Chet Holmgren being sidelined for roughly three months with a right iliac wing fracture to rookie standout Ajay Mitchell's ongoing absence with a right great toe sprain, many of head coach Mark Daigneault's most utilized talents have been found donning street clothes for extended stretches.
Sadly, All-Star forward Jalen Williams recently joined this undesirable list of injury bug bite victims, as he sustained a hip strain during Oklahoma City's matchup against the Denver Nuggets this past Monday.
Though initial reports had suggested the lower body ailment was something that would warrant the mere descriptor of "day-to-day" after being ruled out for their March 12 matchup against the Celtics less than 24 hours after sustaining the injury, Wednesday morning ESPN's Tim Bontemps provided an update concerning the 23-year-old that is far from encouraging.
Thunder star Jalen Williams slated to be sidelined longer than fans hoped
According to the senior NBA writer, coach Daigneault has revealed that Williams ultimately did not end up joining the Thunder for their three-game road trip and that, as things currently stand, there isn't a clear timeline for his return.
Amid their injury-plagued campaign, J-Dub has proven to be one of OKC's most consistently available contributors, missing just four games up to this point.
Frankly, his efforts proved to be a driving force in the team staying afloat during their early-season health issues. He was tasked with filling multiple roles within the rotation, slotting in anywhere from an on-ball one to the Thunder's primary five.
Not only is his injury update crushing from a rotational versatility standpoint but, based on Monday's performance following his awkward collision with Peyton Watson, an offensive production perspective as well.
With Jalen Williams on the floor, the team boasted an offensive rating of 146.7 (the top-mark on the night), while the Thunder dropped to 118.6 with him out of the lineup.
On top of this, during the final two periods with him sidelined, superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was completely swarmed by Denver's opposing defense, as he was held to just 10 points total and failed to receive any real help on the offensive end.
Williams's averages of 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists were severely missed during their 140-127 loss to the Nuggets. Hopefully, they won't be without them for longer than this upcoming five-day trip.