The Oklahoma City Thunder (45-15) are set to host the Denver Nuggets (37-22) for a blockbuster Northwest Division clash on Friday night at Paycom Center. Denver comes in with the NBA's No. 1 offense (120.7 offensive rating), while Oklahoma City faces the league's toughest defense (106.4 defensive rating).
However, all eyes are on the Thunder's superstar point guard, who has been sidelined ahead of the All-Star break. And well, OKC fans will be happy to know that Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is completely off the official injury list for the defending champions, which means he is set to make his return after already being cleared.
OKC still has injury concerns as Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Thomas Sorber and Brandon Carlson are still out. The same is true for the Nuggets, who still have Jamal Murray listed as questionable along with several names on the injury list.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, after missing the Thunder's last nine games due to an abdominal strain. His comeback is not only important for the Thunder, but also for his own personal appreciation.
The reigning MVP has only six games remaining under the NBA's minimum 65-game rule to remain eligible for season-ending awards. And given his staggering averages of 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds, he is once again an MVP contender.
Shai will be facing off against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is currently a triple-double threat averaging 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.4 assists. In their only previous meeting this season on February 1, Gilgeous-Alexander torched the Nuggets in the Mile High City, posting 34 points and 13 assists on 68% shooting to lead the Thunder to a 121–111 win.
thunderbolt injury report
Ajay Mitchell: Out (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain)
Jalen Williams: Out (right hamstring strain)
Brandon Carlson: Out (low 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 Strother: Probable (left big toe sprain)
Aaron Gordon: Out (right hamstring strain)
Peyton Watson: Out (right hamstring strain)
Tamar Bates: Out (left foot surgery)
Curtis Jones: Out (G League - Two-Way)
