Thunder Starts the Second Half of Season with Key Losses
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the current champions, are facing the restart of the season without two of their main stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who is suffering from an abdominal strain, will be reevaluated in approximately one week. Williams, on the other hand, with a right hamstring injury, will be evaluated in about two weeks.
In addition, key backup point guard Ajay Mitchell will also be out of action. Mitchell, who sprained his left ankle during the All-Star break while recovering from an abdominal strain, will also be re-evaluated in approximately one week.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, has already missed the last five games before the break due to his abdominal injury suffered on February 3. The team has four games scheduled for next week.
Williams, an All-NBA selection last season, was absent for 10 games due to a right hamstring injury on January 17. He returned for the February 9 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, but re-injured the hamstring in the following game, although he managed to score 28 points in 20 minutes in the victory against the Phoenix Suns.
Mitchell hasn’t played since suffering his abdominal injury on January 21, missing the last 11 games.
The Thunder lead the Western Conference with a 42-14 record, three games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs. The Detroit Pistons (40-13) have surpassed Oklahoma City in the fight for the best record in the league and home-court advantage in the NBA Finals.
