The Oklahoma City Thunder enters tonight’s NBA Cup matchup with a clear path to the next round, but a massive cloud of uncertainty hangs over the arena. While a win keeps their tournament hopes alive, the conversation heading into tip-off isn’t about the standings or the Western Conference Finals rematch.
Instead, every eye is focused on the availability of the reigning MVP, whose status could flip the odds of this high-stakes showdown in an instant.
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How Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Status Shape the Rematch?
The Thunder controls its own destiny in the NBA Cup. Victories against the Timberwolves and Suns would position Oklahoma City to return to the tournament’s final stage, where they fell to Milwaukee in last year’s event. Standing in their way is a Minnesota squad led by Anthony Edwards, looking for revenge after the Thunder eliminated them in five games during the Western Conference Finals last season.
While offseason chatter focused on the sneaker rivalry between the two stars, the immediate concern is availability. Oklahoma City faces its longest injury report of the season, with Gilgeous-Alexander appearing on the list for the first time. The team remains without key contributors Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins, while rookies Thomas Sorber and Nikola Topic are also sidelined. However, the roster did get a boost with Kenrich Williams officially cleared to return.
The spotlight remains firmly on Gilgeous-Alexander. The superstar guard is listed as questionable with an illness, but signs point toward optimism. As Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reported, the MVP was spotted on the court this morning. Martinez noted, “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is here at shootaround. He’s listed as questionable against Minnesota tonight due to an illness.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is here at shootaround. He’s listed as questionable against Minnesota tonight due to an illness. pic.twitter.com/Puq5mj4Gpw
— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) November 26, 2025
Seeing a player participate in shootaround usually suggests they are trending toward playing, even if the team hasn’t made a final decision. His presence would be massive for a Thunder squad that has started 17-1. Gilgeous-Alexander is in the middle of another dominant campaign, averaging 32.2 points on 54 percent shooting, 41 percent from deep, and nearly 90 percent from the free-throw line.
His recent form makes his potential absence even more significant. In his last outing, he dropped 37 points on 13-of-18 shooting with seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals, all in just three quarters of work. He has carried the load while other starters like Williams and Lu Dort have missed time, keeping the Thunder atop the standings.
Minnesota, on the other hand, arrives in Oklahoma City relatively healthy. Enrique Freeman is available despite a facial injury, with only Rocco Zikarsky out on a G League assignment. The Timberwolves are eager to salvage their road trip after recent losses to the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.
With the Thunder already down several rotation players, Gilgeous-Alexander’s final status will likely decide whether this Cup match is a competitive fight or an uphill battle for the home team.