The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to Los Angeles on Monday night looking to get back on track after dropping two straight. But they’ll have to do it without the engine that drives their offense - and arguably their entire identity.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ruled out vs. Lakers with abdominal strain
The reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has been ruled out for the third consecutive game with an abdominal strain. It’s a tough blow for a Thunder team that’s clearly felt his absence. Oklahoma City is 0-2 without him during this stretch, and it’s not hard to see why.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of spectacular this season, averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game over 49 appearances. Those aren’t just All-Star numbers - they’re MVP-caliber, and he’s right back in the thick of that conversation again this year. His ability to control pace, create offense out of thin air, and lock in defensively has made him the heartbeat of a Thunder squad that’s been one of the league’s biggest stories.
Without him, Oklahoma City has had to lean more heavily on its young supporting cast. Guys like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have shown flashes of brilliance, but replacing Gilgeous-Alexander’s two-way impact is a tall order for any team, let alone one still finding its postseason identity.
The timing of the injury - expected to keep him out through the All-Star break - is less than ideal. But for a team with serious playoff ambitions, the priority is long-term health. The Thunder are still in control of their destiny, sitting atop the Western Conference at 40-13 despite the recent skid.
They won’t be the only team missing a star on Monday night, though. The Lakers will also be without Luka Dončić, who’s sidelined with a hamstring strain for the second straight game. That levels the playing field a bit, but it also means fans will miss out on a marquee matchup between two of the league’s premier guards.
The Lakers, currently fifth in the West at 32-1, are trying to keep pace in a crowded playoff race. Every game matters, especially when it comes to seeding and avoiding the play-in tournament.
So while this one may lack some star power, it still carries plenty of weight - especially for a Thunder team trying to steady the ship without its MVP.