Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sidelined with Abdominal Strain

In a significant setback for the Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be sidelined due to an abdominal strain sustained during a recent victory over the Orlando Magic. The Thunder announced that he will be reevaluated following the All-Star break, which means he will miss the team’s next five games.

The injury occurred during Tuesday’s match, where Gilgeous-Alexander played 28 minutes, contributing 20 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals in a commanding win. The earliest he could return to the court is on February 20, 2026, when the Thunder face the Brooklyn Nets.

This season, the 27-year-old Canadian guard has continued to demonstrate his elite skills, averaging an impressive 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. His shooting percentages stand out, with a remarkable line of .554/.390/.892 across 49 games, averaging 33.3 minutes per contest. Up until this point, Gilgeous-Alexander had only missed two games, but the current injury will increase that total to at least seven.

As the defending champions, the Thunder currently hold a league-best record of 40-11 in the NBA. With both Gilgeous-Alexander and teammate Jalen Williams, who is dealing with a hamstring strain, out of the lineup, the team will need to rely on other players to step up.

Candidates to fill the gap include Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, each likely to see increased playing time during this critical stretch. The Thunder will look to maintain their momentum as they approach the All-Star break without two of their key players.

The impact of this injury could be profound, not only affecting the team’s performance but also the overall playoff picture as the season progresses. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the Thunder adapt to these challenges in the coming weeks.