The Thunder's best player is dealing with an injury as the team attempts to secure a postseason berth.
Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tweaked his ankle during a March 26 matchup with Portland. He was able to finish that game, but the issue is still lingering days later.
The Thunder are right in the thick of a competitive Western Conference playoff race, so even a short stretch without the 24-year-old could send the team down the standings.
Here's everything we know about Gilgeous-Alexander's injury and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
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What is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's injury?
Gilgeous-Alexander suffered a left ankle sprain during the second half of the Thunder's 118-112 win over the Trail Blazers. He could be seen clearly limping after rolling his ankle on a drive to the basket.
"It was on fire at first," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Then, I just tried to shake it off, play through it a little bit. My adrenaline carried me to the end of the third. Then, as soon as I came back out, I just wanted to tape it up and keep moving so that I was good to finish the game."
SGA on rolling his ankle: “It was on fire at first.” pic.twitter.com/8hF4zGtZwx
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) March 27, 2023
He had 31 points, four steals, three assists and two rebounds in the victory.
How long will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be out?
It is unclear exactly how long Gilgeous-Alexander will be sidelined. He missed Oklahoma City's March 28 game against Charlotte, and he has already been ruled out for the March 29 contest against Detroit.
If Gilgeous-Alexander remains out, Isaiah Joe will likely continue to fill that slot in the starting lineup. He had 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting in a 137-134 loss to the Hornets.
Thunder schedule 2022-23
Here are Oklahoma City's final six games of the 2022-23 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| March 29 | vs. Pistons | 8 p.m. |
| March 31 | at Pacers | 7 p.m. |
| April 2 | vs. Suns | 7 p.m. |
| April 4 | at Warriors | 10 p.m. |
| April 6 | at Jazz | 9 p.m. |
| April 9 | vs. Grizzlies | 3:30 p.m. |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander career stats, highlights
- 20.9 points per game
- 4.5 rebounds per game
- 4.5 assists per game
- 1.2 steals per game
- 0.7 blocks per game
- 2.3 turnovers per game
- 32.6 minutes per game
- 48.3 percent shooting
- 34.8 percent 3-point shooting
- 84.2 percent free throw shooting
