OKLAHOMA CITY –
The NBA All-Star break is over, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing for the second half of the season with key injury questions and a tight Western Conference race ahead.
When will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander return?
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been sidelined with an abdominal strain for two weeks. Thunder analyst Steve McGehee expects Gilgeous-Alexander to return Friday when Oklahoma City hosts the Brooklyn Nets.
Gilgeous-Alexander appeared fatigued prior to the injury and has used the break to rest ahead of the final stretch of the season.
Jalen Williams’ return timeline is less certain. Jalen Williams is recovering from a hamstring injury, and the team is expected to be cautious given the risk of re-injury. Hamstring injuries often vary in recovery time, and rushing him back could impact playoff availability.
The Thunder are also awaiting the return of A.J. Mitchell, who has missed 11 consecutive games. Depth will be critical as the team positions itself for postseason play.
Who has been the most available Thunder player?
Despite multiple injuries across the roster, Cason Wallace has played the most games this season with 53 appearances. Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren have each played 49 games.
Availability has been a key storyline for Oklahoma City as it navigates the Western Conference race.
Can the Thunder hold onto the No. 1 seed?
Oklahoma City enters the second half with a three-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs.
The upcoming schedule includes matchups against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons, while later games against the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks could impact seeding.
While securing the No. 1 seed is not considered mandatory for postseason success, home-court advantage proved valuable in last year’s playoffs.
Who is Oklahoma City’s biggest threat in the West?
Among Western Conference contenders, the Denver Nuggets are viewed as the most significant threat, according to Steve.
Denver’s playoff experience and championship pedigree present a challenge. The two teams are scheduled to meet three more times before the postseason, adding weight to those matchups.
Other contenders include the Spurs, Timberwolves and Lakers, but experience may ultimately play a deciding role in the race to the NBA Finals.
What’s next
The Thunder return to action Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets. The game will air locally on News 9 and News On 6 at 7 p.m.
With key players nearing return and playoff positioning on the line, the second half of the season could determine whether Oklahoma City makes another deep postseason run.