'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in danger of missing the OKC Thunder’s matchup tonight against the Charlotte Hornets. “SGA” tweaked his ankle against the Portland Trail Blazers last Sunday and has been ruled questionable by his team.
The NBA All-Star didn’t look like he was bothered by anything against the gritty Blazers. He played 35 minutes and finished with 31 points, two rebounds, three assists and four steals.
The injury may have been more serious than originally thought as he was reportedly limited in practice heading into the matchup against the Hornets. His ankle had swelled in the Thunder’s trip back to Oklahoma.
OKC’s training staff will be closely monitoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in this morning’s shootaround and pregame warmups. The Thunder will be playing their first game of a back-to-back schedule, which could give them more reason to give him a rest.
The last time “SGA” missed a game was back on March 12 against the San Antonio Spurs. He was sidelined for injury management after just returning from a long battle with an abdominal strain.
What is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s status tonight against the Charlotte Hornets?
The OKC Thunder have officially ruled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander questionable when they host the Charlotte Hornets. A tweaked left ankle that reportedly swelled is why his availability tonight is iffy.
For most of the season, the first-time NBA All-Star has been very durable. He has missed just 11 games after playing just 56 matches last year.
Considering the OKC Thunder’s need to win as many games as they can, Gilgeous-Alexander will undoubtedly push for a chance to play. Tre Mann could be inserted into the starting lineup if “SGA” is unable to play.
If the All-Star point guard is not available, he could be back tomorrow night against the Detroit Pistons.
What is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the OKC Thunder?
After Chet Holmgren’s unfortunate injury that prevented him from debuting in the NBA, most basketball fans thought the OKC Thunder would be lottery-bound again. The team's All-Star point guard changed that misconception.
“SGA” is having a superb fifth year in the NBA. He is averaging a career-best 31.3 points, third-best in the league, 4.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.7 steals. The former LA Clippers star is also hitting a career-high 51.0% of his shots, including 35.0% from behind the arc.
Hall of Famer Charles Barkley thought Gilgeous-Alexander was so good that the point guard should start the All-Star game. Considering the names vying for that spot, Barkley’s words were the ultimate praise.
The OKC Thunder are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference with a 37-38 record. They could even crack the top six in the West if things fall their way.
If the Thunder make it to the postseason, they owe it in large part to the play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
You may also like to read: “Shai better be starting in the damn All-Star game” – Charles Barkley expects Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to be a front-runner for All-Star game
