The champion Oklahoma City Thunder will begin the 2025-26 season without All-Star Jalen Williams , who was left off of the team's active roster, due to injury recovery. Williams confirmed a significant step in his recovery from wrist surgery, playing pick-up games without wearing a brace on his right wrist. However, Jalen hasn't been cleared to play.

Williams was initially expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. After undergoing surgery to correct a torn ligament that he played with throughout the Thunder's championship run, Williams spent the summer recovering. However, over two months removed from the procedure and Oklahoma City has yet to announce a new timetable for the All-Star forward's return.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed Williams' recovery

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