Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander play tonight against Mavericks? Latest injury update on Thunder’s star

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander starred in Thunder's win over Cavaliers on Thursday.

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder avenged their last loss by recording a blowout 134-114 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, January 16. The victory came a week after both sides locked horns in Cleveland on January 8, where the Eastern Conference leaders recorded a 129-122 win. The second meeting between conference leaders saw Thunder’s MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander taking the charge, scoring 40 points and reaching a new high.

While Thunder fans are eagerly waiting to see him back in action against Dallas Mavericks on Friday, there is a slight concern on his availability for the high-profile matchup.

EFFICIENT. EFFECTIVE. SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER.

⛈️ 40 PTS (in 29 minutes)
⛈️ 17-26 FGM
⛈️ 8 AST
⛈️ 2 STL

Thunder win the rematch and Shai becomes the 2nd player to score 40+ PTS in less than 30 minutes this season! pic.twitter.com/frjuKu3IAN
— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sustains wrist injury during Thunder vs Cavaliers

While Gilgeous-Alexander was all over Cavaliers, a wrist injury restricted his play to three quarters. The 26-year-old landed on his wrist while making a hustle play, and was in discomfort. Following the game, Gilgeous-Alexander was also seen with his wrist wrapped in ice, raising concerns about his participation in the game against the Mavericks on Friday.

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However, Shai provided a positive update on his injury and confirmed that he will be available against the Mavericks.

“I’m perfect. We got another one tomorrow. Get that one, then we’ll figure the rest out after”, the Thunder star told TNT’s Jared Greenberg after the game.

Dallas Mavericks

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.