Thunder open season short-handed as Durant returns to OKC

The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will begin their title defense short-handed, as forward Jalen Williams is expected to miss the season opener tonight against the Houston Rockets with a lingering wrist injury, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

Williams’ absence was largely expected. The third-year standout missed all six of Oklahoma City’s preseason games and has been limited in practice over the last two weeks.

Head coach Mark Daigneault offered few specifics about Williams’ recovery, only saying the 23-year-old is “progressing” and that his return remains “on schedule.” However, Daigneault did not provide a timeline for his return to the lineup.

Without Williams, the Thunder will turn to their deep rotation. Based on the preseason finale, Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein are expected to start. Guards Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace are likely to see expanded roles off the bench.

More news: Thunder finalize roster ahead of season opener

Williams’ absence will test Oklahoma City’s offensive depth. He averaged 21.6 points, 5.1 assists per game and 1.6 steals last season, establishing himself as the Thunder’s second scoring option behind Gilgeous-Alexander.

The matchup against Houston adds intrigue, as former Thunder star Kevin Durant returns to Oklahoma City wearing Rockets colors. Both teams finished among the top two seeds in the Western Conference last season, with the Thunder earning the No. 1 spot and the Rockets finishing just behind them.

The teams split the regular-season series 3-3, setting the stage for a highly anticipated opening-night rematch. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET as part of the NBA’s opening-night doubleheader.