Thunder Get MVP Back Against Denver: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Returns
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been cleared to return after missing nine games with an abdominal injury, and the reigning Thunder MVP is set to be available Friday against the Denver Nuggets.
Feb 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates after his team scores against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Oklahoma City Thunder finally gets its star player back. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been cleared to return to competition and will be available for Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN. The Canadian guard had missed the last nine games due to an abdominal strain.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been cleared to return after missing the last nine games due to an abdominal strain. He is not on OKC’s injury report for tomorrow’s game vs. Nuggets.
— Tim MacMahon (@BannedMacMahon) February 26, 2026
A Crucial Return to Keep First Place in the West
Gilgeous-Alexander does not appear on the official injury report released Thursday night, confirming his imminent return. The reigning MVP was injured during the February 3rd victory against the Orlando Magic. During his absence, the Thunder maintained a respectable record of 5 wins and 4 losses, but their lead at the top of the Western Conference has shrunk to just two games over the San Antonio Spurs.
This season, Gilgeous-Alexander is posting exceptional statistics with 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, while maintaining 39% shooting from 3-point range. These performances make him the strong favorite to win his second consecutive MVP title.
The timing of this return is crucial for several reasons. First, Gilgeous-Alexander must play a minimum of 65 games to be eligible for individual NBA awards. Having already missed 11 games this season, he can only afford to miss six more out of the 22 remaining regular season games.
Critical Playoff Seeding Stakes
The Thunder faces growing pressure with the San Antonio Spurs on a ten-game winning streak and holding the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage. Oklahoma City must also deal with other significant injuries, notably that of Jalen Williams, an All-NBA selection, who is suffering from a hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in about a week.
With a current record of 45 wins and 15 losses, the Thunder maintains the best position in the West but faces the second-toughest schedule in the league for the remainder of the regular season. Gilgeous-Alexander‘s return comes at the ideal time to stabilize the team and maintain their number one seed status, a considerable advantage given the intimidating atmosphere of their arena during the playoffs.
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With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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