OKC Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Return vs. Nuggets

Star guard missed last 9 games with abdominal strain but is set to play Friday night.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 11:27pm

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OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has missed the team's last nine games due to an abdominal strain, is set to return to the lineup on Friday night against the Denver Nuggets. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game this season on 55.4% shooting from the field and 39% from deep.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander's return is crucial for the Thunder, who are 45-15 on the season and will face off against the 37-22 Nuggets, led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The Thunder will also see the return of several other key players who missed the team's last game.

The details

In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder will also have Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso back in the lineup after they missed the team's previous game against the Detroit Pistons. Isaiah Joe is also available after not playing in the second half of that contest due to a left glute contusion. The Thunder will still be without Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain and left ankle sprain) and Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain), who have missed the team's last 15 and 5 games, respectively.

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the other returning players will be available for the Thunder's home game against the Nuggets on Friday, February 26th at 8:30 PM CST.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The OKC Thunder's star guard, who is the reigning NBA MVP and is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game this season.

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center, who is a three-time NBA MVP and one of the league's premier players.

Chet Holmgren

A key player for the OKC Thunder who is returning from injury.

Isaiah Hartenstein

A player for the OKC Thunder who is returning from injury.

Alex Caruso

A player for the OKC Thunder who is returning from injury.

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What’s next

The Thunder will look to continue their strong season and secure a top seed in the Western Conference playoffs with Gilgeous-Alexander back in the lineup.

The takeaway

The return of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and other key players is a major boost for the OKC Thunder as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the Denver Nuggets and the stretch run of the NBA season.