The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to have to navigate a critical stretch of the season without their engine.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning league MVP and current frontrunner to repeat, is set to miss time through the All-Star break after suffering an abdominal strain in Tuesday night’s game against the Magic. The team confirmed Wednesday that their star guard will be sidelined for at least the next five games before being reevaluated.
That means SGA will also miss the All-Star Game on February 15 in Inglewood, California - a game he was set to start in. It’s a tough blow, both for fans hoping to see him shine on the league’s biggest midseason stage and for a Thunder team that’s leaned heavily on his brilliance all year.
And make no mistake - Gilgeous-Alexander has been brilliant. He’s averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game while anchoring one of the most exciting young teams in the league.
His impact goes beyond the numbers, though. He sets the tone with his poise, his pace, and his ability to control the game in the halfcourt.
Take him out of the lineup, and the Thunder lose their primary creator, their go-to scorer, and the heartbeat of their offense.
Tuesday night’s performance - 8-of-22 from the field, his second-worst shooting night of the season - now makes a little more sense in hindsight. He looked a bit off, and now we know why. Playing through discomfort is nothing new for NBA stars, but this time, the Thunder are opting for caution - and rightfully so.
The injury comes at a particularly challenging time for Oklahoma City’s backcourt. Jalen Williams is already out with a hamstring strain, and rookie Ajay Mitchell is sidelined with an abdominal strain of his own. That’s three key guards unavailable, which puts a heavy burden on the rest of the roster to step up.
In what appears to be a timely move, the Thunder are reportedly acquiring Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers. McCain, a former Duke standout, flashed serious potential during his rookie season before injuries slowed him down.
He’s had trouble finding minutes in Philly this year, but the talent is there. In Oklahoma City, he could find the opportunity he’s been waiting for - especially with the current injury situation.
As for Gilgeous-Alexander, there’s some silver lining here. Even with this absence, he’s still on track to play up to 75 games this season, keeping him above the 65-game threshold required for postseason award eligibility. That’s crucial, especially considering the MVP race he’s currently leading.
For now, the Thunder will have to hold the fort without their superstar. It won’t be easy - but if there’s one thing this team has shown, it’s resilience. And when SGA returns, they’ll be hoping he’s ready to pick up right where he left off: dominating.