Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Out vs. Nets

Reigning NBA MVP sidelined with abdominal strain

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for their game against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Gilgeous-Alexander has been ruled out due to an abdominal strain, marking the sixth consecutive regular season game he has missed because of the injury.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander is the Thunder's best player and reigning NBA MVP. His absence is a significant blow to Oklahoma City's chances of winning against the Nets, one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Gilgeous-Alexander initially suffered the abdominal strain prior to the NBA All-Star break. The injury also forced him to miss the All-Star game, despite being selected as a starter. The Thunder have struggled without their star player, going 2-3 in the five games he has missed so far.

  • Gilgeous-Alexander has been ruled out of the Thunder's game against the Nets on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder's star guard and reigning NBA MVP.

Brooklyn Nets

One of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, who will be hosting the Thunder on Friday night.

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The takeaway

The Thunder will have a tough time competing against the Nets without their best player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to be sidelined by an abdominal strain. Oklahoma City will need to find a way to win without their MVP if they hope to keep pace in the Western Conference playoff race.