Thunder remain without SGA, Jalen Williams in return from All-Star break - ESPN

ESPN

by Tim MacMahon

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Oklahoma City Thunder are facing significant challenges as they prepare to return from the All-Star break without key players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Both stars remain sidelined due to injuries, with Gilgeous-Alexander recovering from an abdominal strain and expected to be reevaluated in one week. Meanwhile, Williams is dealing with a right hamstring strain that has kept him out of action since the Thunder's road win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The team also announced that reserve guard Ajay Mitchell, who sprained his left ankle during the break while rehabbing from his own abdominal injury, will be reevaluated in approximately one week. The Thunder, currently leading the Western Conference with a 42-14 record, are navigating this period without their star players. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, has missed the past five games since suffering his injury on February 3. His absence leaves a significant gap in the lineup as the team prepares for four crucial games in the next week. Williams, an All-NBA selection last season, returned briefly but re-strained his hamstring during a game against the Phoenix Suns, forcing him back into the recovery process. The Thunder's injury struggles come at a critical time as they aim to maintain their lead in the standings. The Detroit Pistons currently hold percentage points over Oklahoma City in the race for the league's best record and home-court advantage through the NBA Finals. With key players sidelined, the team will need to rely on its bench and depth to stay competitive. Fans and sports enthusiasts are closely watching how the Thunder navigate this challenging period, as their performance could heavily influence their playoff chances. The absence of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Mitchell highlights the importance of managing player health in a high-stakes NBA season. The Thunder's ability to adapt and perform at a high level without these key contributors will be closely monitored by sports fans and analysts alike. As the team works toward their recovery timelines, the focus remains on how they can maintain their strong position in the standings despite the setbacks.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026