The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without the reigning MVP for the first time this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (elbow bursitis) is out for Sunday’s road game against the Utah Jazz.
Several other key OKC players will be out to join him, such as starters Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein. Bench reserves Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe will also be out.
Advertisement
This has been a theme all season for the Thunder. Despite a historic 22-1 record, they’ve juggled injuries all season long. But Gilgeous-Alexander was the one constant. He’s averaged an unreal 32.8 points on 55.6% shooting, 6.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds.
Out for the first time this season, Gilgeous-Alexander will get five days of rest between games. He tallied an efficient 33 points in three quarters in a blowout win over the Dallas Mavericks. After Sunday, OKC’s next game will be against the Phoenix Suns in the 2025 NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Thunder handle Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren will get the chance to be OKC’s two best players. Against a rebuilding squad with poor defense, facing the Jazz should help them both get into a groove.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (elbow) to miss Sunday’s Thunder-Jazz game