As many had anticipated at the start of the year, the OKC Thunder find themselves beelining their way toward a third consecutive playoff berth and are viewed as the odds-on favorites to repeat as NBA Champions.
What was not originally expected, however, is that cornerstone forward Jalen Williams appears to be their biggest wildcard.
As recently highlighted by long-time sportswriter Zach Lowe, the 2025 All-Star has "barely played this season" due to nagging injuries, and even in the 26 games he has suited up for, he's not produced "at peak-level form."
Behind his career-best campaign just last season, coupled with his masterful performances during the 2025 playoffs, where he ultimately placed as a close second in the Finals MVP race behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it goes without saying that Williams is Oklahoma City's X-factor in their pursuit of back-to-back titles if he can get back to full strength.