Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be absent in the upcoming in-season tournament game against the Golden State Warriors on Friday due to a left knee sprain.
According to reports, the injury occurred during the Pelicans matchup. Thunder’s head coach, Mark Daigneault, even clarified that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was fit to rejoin the game against the Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander also indicated that he felt fine after the game. However, Daigneault explained that Gilgeous-Alexander woke up with discomfort today.
In four out of his initial five outings of the season, Gilgeous-Alexander has achieved more than 20 points and has maintained an impressive average of 24.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 2.6 steals per game in 34.2 minutes of play.
During Wednesday’s 110-106 defeat against the Pelicans, Gilgeous-Alexander concluded the game with 20 points (8-20 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, eight assists, and three steals in a 38-minute effort.
Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander played a crucial role in the Thunder’s early 19-point lead during the first quarter, contributing eight points, three assists, and two steals.
He was the sole starter on the team with a positive point differential of plus-three, even though the team struggled to maintain their substantial lead.
Cason Wallace, Josh Giddey, and Vasilije Micic may receive more playing time on Friday, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s next chance to join the action is scheduled for Monday when the Thunder faces the Atlanta Hawks.
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Regarding the injuries of Jalylin and Kenrich, Mark Daigneault stated that while Kenrich Williams is advancing in his recovery, the process is slower compared to Jaylin Williams. Daigneault anticipates that Jaylin Williams will likely make a return before Kenrich.