Jalen Williams was listed day-to-day Monday for a reason not related to injury, and he will sit out Tuesday's preseason game against the Pelicans. Oklahoma City will close out its preseason slate without him, leaning on its returning core to cover the minutes.
What happened
The Thunder listed Jalen Williams as day-to-day on Monday at 2:02 p.m. ET, with the issue marked not injury related. His status before Monday is not announced. Clemente Almanza of USA Today reported that Williams, held out for reasons unrelated to injury, will miss Tuesday's preseason game against the Pelicans. The report lists an expected return of Oct. 7.
What it means for the Thunder
Oklahoma City plays the Pelicans Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET without Williams, who averaged 17.1 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 28.4 minutes last season. The Thunder have not played a regular-season game yet this season, so there is no record to measure with or without him. In his absence, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (33.2 minutes, 31.1 points), Chet Holmgren (29.0 minutes, 17.1 points) and Ajay Mitchell (25.8 minutes, 13.6 points) have carried the heaviest loads, with Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Hartenstein, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe rounding out the rotation.
What to watch
Williams is expected back by Oct. 7, per the report. He was previously cleared from a day-to-day tag on Sept. 25, after being listed day-to-day with a left hamstring issue on Sept. 6. Several teammates, including Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, are also day-to-day for rest, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carries the same not-injury-related tag. The next report will update his availability.
Is Jalen Williams playing vs Pelicans?
No. Williams is day-to-day and will sit out Tuesday's preseason game against the Pelicans for reasons not related to injury.
When will Jalen Williams be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 7, 2026.