The NBA has been hit with a run of early injuries, headlined by Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams requiring surgery after suffering a fractured left fibula and dislocated left ankle.
Williams went down and suffered a gruesome injury during Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers, with the 25-year-old needing to be stretchered off the court.
There is no timetable for his return, with Thunder general manager Sam Presti confirming one will not be established until after surgery. Given the severity of the injury, Williams could miss the remainder of the season, Shams says.
“Dub, as everybody knows, is as tough as they come,” Presti said.
“He’s an elite competitor. Even last night, just miraculous in terms of his outlook and the way he’s looking forward to attacking this. We’re going to be with him the entire way.”
The Thunder also confirmed guard Cason Wallace will require surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, adding to their injury concerns early in the season.
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz suffered a double blow during Monday night’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, with Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. both exiting with injuries.
Markkanen injured his right wrist after his arm became trapped between Jackson and Cam Boozer during a tangle on the perimeter. He headed to the locker room with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter and did not return.
Jackson was ruled out after injuring his right knee early in the second quarter, leaving Utah without two key players for the remainder of the contest.
There was more encouraging news for the Orlando Magic, however, with Jalen Suggs avoiding a major knee injury.
An MRI revealed a mild bone bruise in his right knee, with no other structural damage. Suggs will be re-evaluated in two weeks after hyperextending his knee during Sunday’s win over the New York Knicks.
While Suggs is set to miss time, the diagnosis offers some relief after the guard had to be helped to the locker room following the incident.