It is not fairly clear whether or not or not Jalen Williams can be wholesome sufficient for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on opening evening after he underwent wrist surgical procedure this offseason. However that is the Thunder we’re speaking about, in order that they’ll be greater than alright even when Williams had been to overlook a couple of video games to begin the brand new marketing campaign — particularly once they have third-year guard Cason Wallace able to step into the beginning lineup when wanted.
On Tuesday evening, Wallace did begin for the Thunder throughout their 116-112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in preseason motion. He completed with simply 9 factors in 27 minutes, however he did add to his spotlight reel with rather less than 9 minutes to go within the second quarter.
Wallace has been incomes his carry on the defensive finish his complete profession, and opponents at all times need to watch out when throwing passes with him within the neighborhood. The Thunder guard picked off a weak cross from Ryan Rollins and was on his personal in transition, however with it being preseason, he selected to throw down a pleasant and simple one-handed jam. This, nonetheless, was not to Williams’ liking, and he joked about it, giving Wallace a thumbs down for his cautious dunk.
Jalen Williams on Cason Wallace’s breakaway dunk 👎😂pic.twitter.com/XbdMiy59sL
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 15, 2025
In preseason, there isn’t any use in reaching deep in a single’s dunking bag, particularly when one is just not a big-time highflyer within the first place like Wallace is. However in fact, the Thunder gamers have already constructed such a deep bond with each other after being by means of many playoff battles collectively, and Williams is unquestionably simply kidding along with his gesture.
Nonetheless, Wallace seems to be on observe for an additional improved season, though it stays to be seen if he’ll turn into a starter for the Thunder contemplating how stacked the complete roster is.
Cason Wallace to begin for the Thunder even when Jalen Williams returns?
The Thunder have a plethora of choices for his or her beginning lineup for this upcoming season. The one ones secure of their beginning 5 when everyone seems to be wholesome are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Luguentz Dort — leaving one spot open for OKC to rotate relying on matchups.
One would assume that Isaiah Hartenstein can be the favourite for the job, and he might as effectively be after he had a formidable 2024-25 marketing campaign. However in opposition to smaller groups, nobody needs to be shocked if head coach Mark Daigneault provides Wallace a couple of begins right here and there.