Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cleared to Face Nuggets on Friday
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The Oklahoma City Thunder expect star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back in the lineup Friday night when they visit the Denver Nuggets. He is absent from Thursday’s injury report, signaling an official return after a nine-game layoff.
The 27-year-old missed time with an abdominal strain suffered on February 3 against Orlando. In total, he has sat out 11 contests this season and cannot exceed 17 absences to remain eligible for major postseason awards.
Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off an MVP campaign in 2024-25 and was named Finals MVP while leading Oklahoma City to a championship. Through 49 games this season, he is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals, shooting .554 from the field, .390 from three and .892 at the foul line. His 67.0% true shooting percentage and 34.2% assist rate are career highs, and his 8.1% turnover rate is a personal best.
The Thunder went 5-4 during his recent absence, navigating a challenging part of the schedule. Rookie guard Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain, left ankle sprain) and forward Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) remained sidelined throughout most or all of that stretch and will not play Friday.
Oklahoma City enters the matchup at 45-15, holding the top spot in the Western Conference with a two-game edge over second-place San Antonio (42-16).
Source: Hoops Rumors
