Jalen Williams is set to return from injury on Monday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The Thunder will welcome Williams back after he missed 10 games with a right hamstring strain, giving them a timely boost as they try to bounce back from a recent defeat.
The matchup matters because both sides arrive with major injury concerns, and the result could influence momentum heading deeper into the NBA season.
UK basketball fans following the NBA will also take an interest due to the high-profile names involved, including LeBron James and a Lakers squad missing Luka Dončić.
Why is Jalen Williams’ return such a big deal for the Thunder?
Jalen Williams has become one of Oklahoma City’s most important two-way players, and his return could immediately shift the Thunder’s rhythm on both ends of the floor.
Williams has missed the past 10 games, leaving the Thunder short on shot creation and driving power.
Even when his long-range shooting goes cold, Williams usually finds ways to impact the game by attacking the basket, drawing defenders, and opening space for teammates.
🚨 BREAKING: Jalen Williams is set to return to the lineup tomorrow night against the Lakers.
JDub is BACK. 🍿🔥 pic.twitter.com/00ohmrIhD3
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) February 9, 2026
His return also comes at a key moment after Oklahoma City’s 112-106 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday, a game where the Thunder struggled to control key stretches.
For a Thunder team sitting at 40-13, getting a reliable scorer back could help steady the ship quickly.
Who will miss the Lakers vs Thunder game, and why does it matter?
The Lakers will go into Monday night’s contest without one of their biggest names.
Luka Dončić has been ruled out with a left hamstring strain, removing a major offensive engine from Los Angeles.
Despite that setback, the Lakers still managed to beat the Golden State Warriors 105-99 over the weekend, showing they can grind out results even when short-handed.
The Lakers will still lean heavily on LeBron James and the supporting cast, including players like Austin Reaves, to generate points and control tempo.
What is the full injury list for both teams?
Several key players remain sidelined, which could heavily shape the game plan on both sides.
Oklahoma City Thunder injuries
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – out (abdominal strain)
- Ajay Mitchell – out (abdominal strain)
- Thomas Sorber – out (ACL surgical recovery)
- Nikola Topić – out (surgical recovery)
- Jalen Williams – expected to return (right hamstring strain)
Los Angeles Lakers injuries
- Luka Dončić – out (left hamstring strain)
- Adou Thiero – out (right MCL sprain)
- DeAndre Ayton – probable (right knee soreness)
From a tactical point of view, the biggest story remains Williams returning, while Dončić stays unavailable.
When and where is the Thunder vs Lakers game being played?
The Thunder and Lakers will meet on Monday night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The game is scheduled for 9 p.m. CST, which is 3 a.m. UK time (Tuesday morning) for British viewers.
That late tip-off may not suit casual fans, but it is a familiar time slot for UK NBA followers.
How can UK fans watch Thunder vs Lakers live?
The game will be streamed on Peacock and is also available through Fubo, which offers a free trial.
UK viewers will likely need to check which official NBA broadcast partner or streaming option carries the game locally, as availability can differ by region.
What are the betting odds for Thunder vs Lakers?
The Thunder enter as favourites, according to the listed betting lines.
Latest betting odds
- Thunder -5.5 (point spread)
- Over/Under: 219.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -210
- Moneyline: Lakers +170
The odds suggest bookmakers still expect Oklahoma City to control the game, even with key absences like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Can the Thunder still dominate without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
That is the big question heading into the matchup. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the Thunder’s main scorer and leader, so his absence forces others to take more responsibility. That is where Jalen Williams becomes even more important.
Williams can create his own shots, drive through contact, and play solid defence, which could help cover the gap left by Gilgeous-Alexander.
If Oklahoma City wants to stay sharp, it will need Williams to hit the ground running rather than easing back slowly.
How do the Lakers match up against Oklahoma City’s defence?
Even without Dončić, the Lakers still have enough experience and talent to cause problems.
LeBron James remains the centrepiece, and the Lakers often rely on smart movement, strong rebounding, and controlled possessions. However, the Thunder are known for their athletic defence and ability to disrupt passing lanes.
Oklahoma City also has multiple defenders capable of switching onto different matchups, which could help limit the Lakers’ scoring options late in the game.
What does Jalen Williams’ return mean for OKC’s style of play?
A good example of Williams’ value comes from how the Thunder usually perform when they lose perimeter shooting rhythm.
When outside shots stop falling, many teams stall. Williams often prevents that by attacking inside, forcing defenders to collapse, and creating easier looks for teammates. That gives Oklahoma City a “Plan B” offence that can win ugly games.
Against a Lakers team that often plays physically, that inside pressure could be one of the deciding factors.
