Shai Gilgeous-Alexander injury update: Thunder guard suffers abdominal strain

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander suffered an abdominal strain, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. He will be reevaluated after the NBA All-Star Break.

A former Kentucky star, Gilgeous-Alexander became a superstar last season after seeing his play improve year to year. He was named the NBA MVP, led Oklahoma City to their first championship victory and was also named NBA Finals MVP.

Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points per game, five rebounds per game, 6.4 assists per game, shot 51.9% from the floor and 37.5% from three-point range. His averages this season are 31.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 55.4% from the floor and 39% from three-point range in 49 games.

Gilgeous-Alexander was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Kentucky by the Los Angeles Clippers. He spent one season with the team before he was traded to Oklahoma City.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander injured prior to All-Star Break

This comes on the heels of the Thunder trading for Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain on Wednesday. They sent multiple draft picks to Philly in the swap.

Even with SGA’s injury, and TBD timetable to return, Oklahoma City is still an NBA-best 40-11 on the season, topping the Western Conference. McCain is coming off a injury-riddled rookie season in which he was the early front-runner for NBA Rookie of the Year for Philadelphia. He’s played off the bench since his return but could see an increase with Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury for OKC.

The Thunder lead the San Antonio Spurs by six games for first place in the West. As they monitor their superstar’s health and bring in McCain, Oklahoma City is going for a repeat after winning their first NBA title in 2025.