Williams Brothers Set for First NBA Matchup as Jazz Host Thunder

A family reunion is set to take center stage Friday night as Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Cody Williams (Utah Jazz) meet for the first time as NBA opponents in Salt Lake City. While the Jazz look to snap a two-game losing streak against the Thunder this season, the Williams brothers will have a special reason to remember this matchup.

Jalen, now in his third NBA season, has played a key role in the Thunder’s rise to the top of the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, Cody, a rookie, is still finding his place with the rebuilding Jazz. But with both brothers expected to play, this could be the first of many head-to-head battles between them.

Jalen Williams Leading OKC’s Charge

The Oklahoma City Thunder (44-10) have been the biggest surprise in the NBA this season, heading into the All-Star break as the top team in the West.

One of the biggest reasons for their success? Jalen Williams.

The third-year forward is averaging 21.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, solidifying himself as a key second option behind MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Jalen and the Thunder have dominated the Jazz in their two previous meetings, and with an eight-game lead over second-place Memphis, they’re looking to extend their grip on the No. 1 seed.

Though not much of a trash-talker, Jalen admitted he might make an exception for his younger brother.

“I don’t really trash-talk anybody in general,” Jalen said. “I might for him. I might make an exception for him.”

Cody Williams Finding His Footing in Utah

Unlike his older brother, Cody Williams is still working to carve out his role in the NBA. The 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Cody has spent time in the G-League and dealt with injuries that have limited his minutes in Utah.

His numbers so far:

• 3.9 PPG on 30.2% shooting
• 2.0 RPG, 1.3 APG
• Limited action in just 29 games

After missing nine straight games with an ankle injury, Cody returned before the break and is looking to gain more playing time in the second half of the season.

With Utah (13-41) struggling near the bottom of the standings, this is the perfect time for Cody to showcase his development.

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Jazz vs. Thunder: What to Expect

• The Jazz are reeling. They lost four of five games before the break, including a 120-116 overtime collapse against the Clippers where they blew a 20-point lead.
• Turnovers are killing Utah. They had 26 turnovers in that loss and need to clean up their play to compete with OKC.
• The Thunder are locked in. With Jalen Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chet Holmgren clicking, OKC looks poised for a deep playoff run.

Prediction: Can the Jazz Pull Off an Upset?

The Thunder have won two straight against Utah and look poised to make it three. However, all eyes will be on the Williams brothers’ first-ever NBA showdown, adding an emotional layer to this matchup.

Can Cody make a statement and help the Jazz shock the top-seeded Thunder? Or will Jalen and OKC continue their dominance?