Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cleared to return for Thunder

Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was cleared to return Thursday after lacking the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder‘s previous 9 video games due to an belly pressure.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who is just not on the official damage report, shall be out there for Friday’s dwelling sport in opposition to the Denver Nuggets.

The Thunder went 5-4 in Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence after he suffered the damage throughout a Feb. 3 win over the Orlando Magic. Oklahoma City’s lead atop the Western Conference standings has been trimmed to two video games over the San Antonio Spurswho has gained 10 straight video games and owns the season tiebreaker between the groups.

Oklahoma City continues to be with out All-NBA wing Jalen Williams and key reserve guard Ajay Mitchell.

Williams, who returned for two video games earlier than the All-Star break earlier than aggravating his proper hamstring pressure, is scheduled to be reevaluated in roughly one week.

Mitchell has been out since he suffered an belly pressure Jan. 21. He was on observe to return after the All-Star break earlier than spraining his ankle in a exercise.

Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.8 factors, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He is the MVP favourite once more with -125 odds to win the award, in accordance to DraftKings Sportsbook.