Thunder Injury Report: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Easter Ruined as MVP Candidate Suffers 1st Setback on Road

The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. The Thunder are currently seeded 2nd in the stacked Western Conference with a 51-22 record. They are coming off a blowout win against Phoenix and will look to carry that momentum in tomorrow’s Easter Day game. Unfortunately, OKC might have to face the Knicks shorthanded as their best player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is still on the injury report.

As of yesterday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was doubtful for his clash against the Knicks. It was highly possible that he was going to miss the Easter Day game, but if the latest reports are to be believed, Shai is now upgraded to be “questionable” on the injury report. As of 2 hours ago, reported by Joel Lorenzi of the Oklahoman, Shai was seen practicing for shootouts in the morning before the Knicks matchup. Gilgeous-Alexander missed the last two games due to a right quad injury, but now that he was seen practicing, he might as well make it to the game. But then again, if Shai does not play against the Knicks, the Easter Day game at MSG will be his first missed road game of the season.

Shai is having a career year in OKC. He has taken a massive leap this season and has been one of the frontrunners to win the MVP trophy. He has emerged as one of the most lethal offensive players in the NBA, averaging 30.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. Not only has Shai been a menace on the court, but he has also been highly durable all season. He has only missed 3 games so far, and the Thunder have lost 2 of those games.

The 2-time All-Star’s quad injury so close to the playoffs raises major concerns for OKC. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault recently addressed Shai’s health, “He’s banged up, for sure. He’s not 100%. We’re monitoring it, but he’s certainly not a hundred percent.” OKC hopes Shai is available to play tomorrow and his injury doesn’t ruin Easter.

How far can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander take the Thunder?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has turned the OKC Thunder franchise around in just one season. He has taken the Thunder from a 10th-seeded team last season to one of the best teams in the league this year. Shai has become a nightmare for defenders. He recently joined Michael Jordan, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, and James Harden as the only players in the last 35 years to score 30+ points 50 times in a season.

With Shai as their leader and a highly talented young roster, the Thunder have a legitimate shot at winning the Championship this season. They have not been to the playoffs in three years, and a deep run this year will be a huge momentum shifter for their franchise. But the Thunder need Shai healthy and available to make that happen. While Shai has left his mark on the regular season, it will be interesting to see what he can achieve when it matters the most.

Read More: Thunder Injury Report: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Suffers Scary Setback Amid MVP Campaign Ahead of Rockets Clash