Shai-Gilgeous Alexander Injury Update: Why is MVP Frontrunner Not Playing Against 76ers And How Long Will Is He Out For?

The Philadelphia 76ers shocked the NBA world in their last outing. Despite stepping on the floor with a maximum of 9 players healthy, they managed to stun the in-form Rockets. However, the H-Town had the last laugh in the overtime thriller. Tonight, the short-handed Sixers once again take the court. This time, facing the mighty Oklahoma City Thunder. You may think that the OKC side will have a walk in the park, but that’s not the case.

Just like the Sixers, the Thunder has a loaded injury report including the superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The ace guard has been on a cat-and-mouse game with Nikola Jokić for the MVP award. Despite the Joker’s Triple-Double average, SGA has managed to have an upper in the race with his consistent 40-pointer and 50-pointer performances. However, Jokic recently reached the top of the ladder, pushing Alexander into the 2nd spot. 

Amid this situation, missing a game would be a costly error in the MVP race. Especially with the Nuggets taking on the Lakers tonight, the big man can secure some more browny points. Unfortunately, SGA won’t lace up tonight, the Thunder have listed him out on rest purposes, as per ESPN. The only good news is that it may not be a prolonged absence, as there isn’t any injury involved. The 26-year-old star might return to the floor on Friday night, taking on the Hornets.

Meanwhile, let’s look at the Thunder injury report.

The injury leaves four starters out of the action, giving the short-handed Sixers a fair chance at the game. However, the team still has 7 ‘1 foot Chet Holmgren in the lineup. Let’s look at how the starting lineup has come out.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Co. vs the Sixers: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

Even though four starters are not in action, the team still has a legitimate attack with Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, and Chet Hollgren in the starting five. However, the only problem is the depth of the team. While Chet is expected to take over the offense of the side, the team might struggle to keep the scoreboard ticking during his off-court minutes. Nevertheless, it will be an exciting to watch.

The Oklahoma City Thunder

The Philadelphia 76ers

On the other hand, the Sixers have to do what they did last game. Quentin Grimes put up his career-high 46 points against the Rockets in the previous game. It was his second 40-point game this season. So, if the shooting guard continues from where he left off in the last game, the Sixers may stun the Thunder. Who do you think will win tonight? Let us know in the comments.