Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cleared for Thunder return against Nuggets

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been cleared to return for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday following an abdominal injury.

The Canadian point guard was absent from the official injury report released on Thursday evening.

It marks the end of a nine-game absence for the superstar, who suffered the strain during a victory over the Orlando Magic on 3 February.

Western Conference race tightens

Oklahoma City managed a 5-4 record while their captain was sidelined.

However, their cushion at the top of the Western Conference has become precarious.

The San Antonio Spurs have utilised a 10-game winning streak to trim the Thunder’s lead to just two games.

San Antonio also hold the crucial season tiebreaker between the two franchises, adding pressure to Friday’s home fixture.

MVP form

Before his layoff, Gilgeous-Alexander was in imperious form for the defending champions.

He is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game this campaign.

The 26-year-old remains the clear favourite to win back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards.

Squad depth tested

While the return of their talisman is a major boost, the Thunder remain without other key contributors.

All-NBA wing Jalen Williams is scheduled to be re-evaluated in approximately one week.

Williams had briefly returned before the All-Star break but subsequently aggravated a right hamstring strain.

Reserve guard Ajay Mitchell also remains unavailable.

Mitchell was nearing a return from an abdominal issue but suffered an ankle sprain during a workout.