Jalen Williams Out; Durant in Rockets' Lineup

The Oklahoma City Thunder open their title defense Tuesday at the Paycom Center with a ring-and-banner ceremony hosting the Houston Rockets; Kevin Durant is reported to be in Houston’s lineup for the game. All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams is ruled out for the season opener as he recovers from right-wrist surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament (surgery performed July 1), and the team says he is progressing and not expected to miss an extended stretch. Isaiah Joe is out for the opener, rookie Thomas Sorber remains out for the season with an ACL tear, Nikola Topic is sidelined until about mid-November, and Kenrich Williams is recovering from a knee scope; Ajay Mitchell’s status is uncertain. Alex Caruso has been cleared to play and is expected to see increased minutes alongside Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace with Williams unavailable. The game — and the Thunder’s early-season outlook as defending champions — will be watched closely amid high expectations for the team.