Jaylen Williams is getting an encouraging day-to-day update

OKLAHOMA CITY — Outside Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams 19th consecutive absencehead coach Mark Daigneault reminded reporters of the rigorous process the All-Star forward is currently facing. With no date set for Williams’ return, the Thunder will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Cup without him.

Before the Thunder’s game against the Timberwolves, Daigneault provided an update on Williams’ recovery with a story that illustrates just how tough Jalen is works on the way back to the floor.

“(He) goes in day in and day out and does a great job,” Daigneault said. “There’s so much invisible work that goes into getting back into the game that you guys don’t get a chance to see, and we don’t even get a chance. I walked in this morning getting ready for our staff meeting, and I was walking in the back, and he was already there at whatever time – 8:15 – putting in his PT work. 8:30 he was on the field by .

“It’s work that you have to put in day in and day out without having to play right away when you’re going through rehab,” Daigneault concluded.

Jaylen Williams (wrist surgery), ruled out for tonight’s NBA Finals game against the Timberwolves, enters pregame practice.

Williams also plays “Lifestyle” here at the Paicom Center. A timetable for his regular season debut has not yet been set. Still, OKC is 17-1 pic.twitter.com/Zs2hpKGPpU

— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) November 26, 2025

Williams’ next chance to play will come when the Thunder host the Suns on Friday.

Mark Daigneault on Jalen Williams, Thunder injury

Thunder head coach Marc Daigneault confirmed his team’s approach to injuries this season. While some believe the team’s depth, combined with an impressive start to the season, is part of the reason for All-Star Jaylen Williams and Kenrich Williams, who make their season debuts on Wednesday, respectively.

“No. It’s all health decisions,” Daigneault said. “We’re always conservative. We’re always cautious about the health of our players. If we have to wait another day or another week, or another game, to get a more complete version of a player that’s more viable from a health standpoint, we’re always going to do that. Those decisions aren’t made about team performance or depth or anything like that.

“If we get guys out, we’re going to go all the way down our roster and play two-way guys. Those minutes have nothing to do with how we make health decisions with players,” Daigneault concluded.

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (illness), who was considered questionable before tipoff, has been cleared to play in Friday’s game against the Timberwolves.