The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder will be without reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Sunday’s game against the Utah Jazz.
Per ESPN, the Thunder ruled out Gilgeous-Alexander due to left elbow bursitis. His next chance to suit up will come when Oklahoma City hosts the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.
This marks the first game that Gilgeous-Alexander will miss this season. He’s played in at least 75 games in each of the last two years.
The 27-year-old picked up right where he left off from his immaculate 2024-25 campaign in which he won the scoring title, an NBA championship, NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP. In 23 games, he’s averaged 32.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.4 steals while leading the Thunder to a 22-1 record. ESPN noted that he’s “scored at least 20 points in 95 straight games, the second-longest such streak in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 126 straight from 1961 to 1963.”
While the Thunder are known for their impressive depth, their lineup has been hindered by injuries recently. Veteran guard Alex Caruso was also ruled out for Sunday’s game due to a quad injury, while defensive specialist Lu Dort hasn’t played since Nov. 30 due to a thigh injury. Big man Isaiah Haternstein has been missing since Nov. 26 due to a right soleus strain and is expected to be out for at least another week.
Still, Oklahoma City has enough to make up for the absence of Gilgeous-Alexander and other members of its lineup. Star wing Jalen Williams and center Chet Holmgren will take over as the focal points of the Thunder offense until the team is fully healthy again.