OKC’s Jalen Williams to Make Season Debut Just Ahead of Blazers Matchup

Oklahoma City Thunder star forward Jalen Williams will make his season debut against the Phoenix Suns tonight, according to the team’s injury report. The 2025 NBA All-Star missed OKC’s first 19 games as he recovered from a July surgery on his right wrist, after playing through a torn ligament during the team’s title run last season.

The status update holds particular relevance for the Portland Trail Blazers because the Thunder come to town on Sunday. The matchup will mark Portland’s third game against the reigning champs already this season, but with Williams’ return it could be the healthiest this Thunder team has been all season.

In the teams’ first meeting on Nov. 5, the Blazers handed the Thunder (18-1) their only loss of the season in a 121-119 thriller that saw the Blazers come back from 22 down. The Thunder had MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to drop 35 points that game, but they played without Williams, Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso.

In their next meeting on Nov. 23, the Blazers were dealing with their own bevy of injuries while the Thunder were much healthier with Holmgren and others back. The result was a 122-95 smackdown for the Blazers on the road.

Looking ahead to Sunday, the Blazers now may have to deal with OKC’s Big 3 of Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Williams for the first time this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Pacific at the Moda Center.