Is Gilgeous-Alexander back tonight? Thunder vs. Nuggets injury report

The Oklahoma City Thunder (45-15) are set to host the Denver Nuggets (37-22) in a Northwest Division clash at the Payko Center on Friday night. Denver arrives boasting the NBA’s No. 1 offense (120.7 offensive rating), while Oklahoma City matches the league’s most suffocating defense (106.4 defensive rating).

However, all eyes are on the Thunder point guard, who has been sidelined since before the All-Star break. And well, OKC fans will be delighted to find out that Shai-Gilgeous Alexander has been completely ruled out official list of injuries for the defending champion, which means yes he is ready to return after being pre-approved.

OKC continues to struggle with injuries, with Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Thomas Sorber and Branden Carlson still out. The same goes for the Nuggets, who still have Jamal Murray listed as questionable in addition to a number of names on the injured list.

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After missing the Thunder’s last nine games with an abdominal strain, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His return is not only important for the Thunder, but also for his individual accolades.
The reigning MVP currently has just six games remaining under the NBA’s 65-game minimum rule to be eligible for season-ending awards. And given the astonishing averages of 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds, he is again an MVP candidate.

Shai will go up against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is currently averaging a triple-double threat of 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.4 assists. In their only previous meeting this season on Feb. 1, Gilgeous-Alexander torched the Nuggets in the Mile High City, scoring 34 points and 13 assists on 68 percent shooting to lead the Thunder to a 121-111 victory.

Report of lightning injury

Ajay Mitchell: Out (abdominal strain/sprained left ankle)

Jaylen Williams: Out (right hamstring strain)

Branden Karlsson: Out (lower back strain)

Thomas Sorber: Out (Right ACL Surgical Recovery)

Nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Questionable (Illness)

Spencer Jones: Questionable (right shoulder strain)

Jalen Pickett: Questionable (right knee soreness)

Julian Strather: Probably (big left finger sprain)

Aaron Gordon: Out (right hamstring strain)

Peyton Watson: Out (right hamstring strain)

Tamar Bates: Out (left foot surgery)

Curtis Jones: Waived (G League – Two-Way)