Draymond Green believes the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship hopes have taken a major hit after injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, warning that the losses could become especially costly in the NBA playoffs.
Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the Golden State Warriors forward said Oklahoma City should remain one of the NBA’s better regular-season teams but could struggle to maintain its level when the postseason intensifies.
“For them to lose two starters in one night is absolutely insane,” Green said. “They’re still going to be one of the better teams in the NBA. However, when you get to the playoffs in certain levels of the playoffs, that’s when things like this get exposed.”
Williams suffered a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula, while Wallace sustained a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Both injuries require surgery, with lengthy recoveries expected to keep the two starters out for several months and potentially most or all of the 2026-27 season.
Williams’ absence removes an important scorer and playmaker alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 25-year-old averaged 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in Oklahoma City’s first three games before suffering the injury. He also missed significant time last season because of hamstring problems.
Wallace’s loss further weakens the Thunder’s perimeter defense. The 23-year-old guard averaged 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.3 steals in 16.3 minutes per game across his first three appearances. He recently signed a five-year, $139 million contract extension, reflecting Oklahoma City’s investment in his future.
ESPN’s Shams Charania previously described the injuries as devastating blows to the Thunder’s championship ambitions, noting that both players faced extensive rehabilitation. Their potential availability for the playoffs remains uncertain.
Green acknowledged that Oklahoma City could continue winning during the regular season, pointing to its ability to remain competitive when Williams missed time last year. The Thunder began this season with four straight victories, including a 125-114 win over Phoenix on October 26, before losing 120-96 to Dallas on October 28.
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 26.0 points through five games, while Ajay Mitchell has contributed 18.6 points and 3.6 assists per contest. Oklahoma City is now 4-1, with its next game scheduled against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, October 31.
