Reranking the 10 biggest NBA title favorites with Jalen Williams off the board
Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace could both miss the rest of the season, which adds significant difficulty to the Oklahoma City Thunder's title pursuit.
Thunder
Latest news and updates about the Thunder
Cason Wallace to have surgery, could miss rest of the 2026-27 NBA season
Thunder guard Cason Wallace, who signed a contract extension this offseason, suffers a torn left‑shoulder labrum and will undergo surgery, likely ending his 2026‑27 season. The injury comes just days into Oklahoma City’s campaign and adds to the blow of teammate Jalen Williams’ dislocated ankle and fractured fibula, which also sidelines him for months. With both backcourt starters out, the Thunder’s chances for a deep playoff run are significantly diminished despite a strong roster and ample draft capital.
Thunder’s Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace to Undergo Surgery After Injuries
Oklahoma City Thunder starters Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace both head to surgery after injuries sustained in a 2026-27 season win over the LA Clippers. Williams suffered a fractured fibula and a dislocated left ankle, while Wallace tore the labrum in his left shoulder. Both players are on massive new contracts—Williams on a five‑year, $239 million extension and Wallace on a five‑year, $139 million deal—and their recovery timelines are unclear, likely sidelining them for months and jeopardizing the Thunder’s roster for the rest of the season.
Lu Dort now missed more than ever before in wake of recent Thunder injuries
The OKC Thunder could certainly use Lu Dort right about now!
Jalen Williams’ comeback story can draw hope from NBA history
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams suffers a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle after a collision with Kris Dunn, likely sidelining him for the entire 2026-27 season. While surgery and recovery timelines remain unclear, the article draws parallels to past NBA comebacks—Paul George’s 2014 leg break, Shaun Livingston’s 2007 knee injury, and Alonzo Mourning’s kidney transplant—to illustrate that severe setbacks don’t dictate a player’s ultimate legacy. Thunder GM Sam Presti and teammate Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander stress patience and support over deadlines, noting the team also battles Cason Wallace’s shoulder surgery. The piece encourages optimism while acknowledging the uncertainty of Williams’s return.
Thunder’s Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace likely to miss the rest of the season
The Oklahoma City Thunder announce that forward Jalen Williams and guard Cason Wallace will miss the rest of the 2026-27 season after surgery for serious injuries suffered against the Clippers. Williams dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula, a injury that kept Gordon Hayward out for a year, while Wallace tore the labrum in his left shoulder, similar to Ja Morant's 2024 injury. Their absence removes two starters, including former All-Star Williams, and shifts West‑conference odds in favor of the Spurs and other contenders. The Thunder still have Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Chet Holmgren, but cap‑heavy contracts limit immediate upgrades.
How the Phoenix Suns match up with the Thunder following Jalen Williams’ injury
The Phoenix Suns look to avenge last season’s first‑round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but their chances hinge on plugging an NBA‑worst 123.0 defensive rating. The recent ankle injury to Thunder forward Jalen Williams removes a key scorer, giving Phoenix a chance to focus on limiting Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and forcing role players to create offense. Burn City Sports emphasizes that the Suns must also improve rebounding and eliminate second‑chance points to avoid a repeat of last year’s defeat. Success against a weakened Thunder could prove the Suns’ early‑season defensive woes are just growing pains.
Russell Westbrook, Thunder Reunion Addressed by Sam Presti After Jalen Williams, Wallace Injuries
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been rattled by injuries already this season, and they'll likely need to add a player to the roster to make up for the absences.
Game Thread: Suns at Thunder
Okay fans, do your finger warmups and calisthenics. It’s time to have a say, whether it’s critical, celebratory, analytical, or therapeutic.
Thunder’s Cason Wallace to miss significant time with shoulder injury
The Oklahoma City Thunder lose another key piece as guard Cason Wallace suffers a torn labrum in his left shoulder, sidelining him for five to six months. The injury follows Jalen Williams' dislocated ankle and fractured fibula, both announced by GM Sam Presti after the Thunder's 108-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Both players will require surgery and miss a significant stretch of the 2026‑27 season, leaving the Thunder shorthanded heading into their next game against the Phoenix Suns.
West’s best Thunder lose two key players to major injuries
The Oklahoma City Thunder have announced that two big-time players will be missing a ton of time, impacting the Nuggets and the rest of the West
Oklahoma City Thunder Forwards Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace Need Surgery; Out Indefinitely
Oklahoma City Thunder president Sam Presti announced on Monday (10/26) that forwards Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace need surgery and will be out indefinitely.
Thunder’s Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace Out Indefinitely
The Oklahoma City Thunder suffer a major setback as wing Jalen Williams fractures his fibula and dislocates his left ankle, and guard Cason Wallace tears the labrum in his left shoulder. Both injuries require surgery, leaving the players out indefinitely and likely sidelining them for several months. Williams, the 2024‑25 All‑Star who averaged 21.4 points last season, was hurt late in a win over the Clippers, while Wallace, a new full‑time starter on a five‑year, $139 MM extension, exited the first quarter of the same game. The Thunder, 2025 champions and 2026 Western Conference finalist, may seek disabled player exceptions worth $15 M for Williams and $3.7 M for Wallace, but must rely on reserves like Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso and Jared McCain during their recovery.
Jalen Williams injury update confirms worst-case scenario for NBA star
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has provided a devastating injury update on Jalen Williams.
Jaylen Brown Responds to Jayson Tatum: He Got Great PR | Celtics Daily
In a CLNS Media Celtics Daily episode, Joel Lorenzi breaks down Jaylen Brown's response to Jayson Tatum, calling the teammate’s PR "great." The hosts also review Boston’s early season impressions, discuss Jalen Williams' season‑ending leg injury suffered in the Thunder’s win, and preview the Celtics hosting rookie Caleb Wilson and the Chicago Bulls for two home games this week at TD Garden.
Thunder star Jalen Williams will undergo surgery for fractured fibula, dislocated ankle
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, an All-Star and All-NBA pick, suffers a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle after colliding with Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. during Sunday’s win over the LA Clippers. He will undergo surgery, with his season status pending further medical evaluation. The Thunder also lose All-Defensive guard Cason Wallace, who tore the labrum in his left shoulder and faces surgery, likely ending his 2026‑27 season. Both injuries come just three games into the campaign, throwing the Thunder’s depth into question and opening up minutes for Alex Caruso, Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell and Kenrich Williams.
Jalen Williams Will Have Surgery After Gruesome Injury, Update on Thunder Star's Timeline to Return
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without star Jalen Williams for the foreseeable future.
Thunder’s Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace facing potential season-ending injuries
The Oklahoma City Thunder suffer two early‑season blows: forward Jalen Williams dislocates his left ankle and fractures his fibula, while guard Cason Wallace tears the labrum in his left shoulder. Both injuries require surgery and could sideline them for most or all of the 2026‑27 campaign. Williams, a key scorer and playmaker alongside Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, and Wallace, a premier perimeter defender, are now out, forcing the Thunder to lean heavily on Gilgeous‑Alexander, Chet Holmgren and the depth of their roster. Coach will need to overhaul rotations as the team navigates months of adjustments.
Thunder's history says they will keep winning after horrific Jalen Williams injury
The Oklahoma City Thunder have shown they can keep winning despite injuries in the past, which could keep spirits high after the Jalen Williams injury.
Denver’s dynasty never arrived. Golden State’s is running out of time
Three years after the Nuggets’ 2023 championship, Denver’s hoped‑for dynasty is unraveling. Despite Nikola Jokić’s 27.7‑point, 12.9‑rebound, 10.7‑assist line and Jamal Murray’s playoff fire, the team has sputtered: a blown 20‑point lead in a 2024 Game 7, a loss to OKC in 2025, and a first‑round exit to Minnesota (110‑98) in 2026—its first playoff loss with both stars healthy. Coaching and front‑office turnover, plus poor roster moves (Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope) have left the supporting cast thin. Meanwhile the Warriors, the league’s last true dynasty, arrive in Denver 0‑3 and face their own injury woes, putting both West powers on a precarious edge.
Aaron Wiggins' early-season eruption teaching Hawks something Thunder always knew
Former OKC Thunder wing Aaron Wiggins has enjoyed a fast start in his new home, but it won't come as a shock to his old employer.
The trade Thunder must make after Jalen Williams’ devastating injury casts pall over season
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams likely suffers a season‑ending ankle injury, prompting GM Sam Presti to weigh trade options before the deadline. The team could tap a disabled‑player exception for a $14 M mid‑level exception, but with a deep, pricey roster, frontline moves may be limited. Potential targets include the Clippers' forward Derrick Jones Jr., who averages 10.1 points and 1.0 block, or Lakers wing Rui Hachimura, a 11.5‑point scorer on a $14 M salary. With wing Cason Wallace also injured, the Thunder might also rely on rookie Bennett Stirtz for added minutes. Presti is set to address the situation ahead of the Phoenix Suns matchup.
Derrick Jones Jr. now a no-brainer trade target in wake of Jalen Williams injury
The OKC Thunder must look to Derrick Jones Jr. as a trade target should they apply and receive a DPE in the wake of Jalen Williams' ankle injury.
Jared McCain trade is back under the magnifying lens after Jalen Williams injury
Was Jared McCain as big of a steal as he seemed to be when the Oklahoma City Thunder traded for him? We're about to find out.
2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Stock Watch Week 2: Injury Fallout, Risers & Fallers
Fantasy Six Pack’s Week 2 stock watch zeroes in on the latest injury blow: a budding Oklahoma City superstar is headed for the IL, prompting questions about his recovery timeline. The article also highlights the week’s biggest fantasy risers and fallers, offering quick insights for managers looking to adjust their 2026‑27 rosters.
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