The Oklahoma City Thunder is currently going through a rough patch. Despite having the best record in the league with 30-7, they have been going through a slump. In their last twelve games, the Thunder has won six games while losing six, which is a sudden change after starting the season 24-1. Now, it looks like the franchise might sit their star player out for tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz.
The reigning MVP's knee injury
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is being listed as questionable due to right knee bursitis. This is a late addition to the injury report, and it seems that the reigning MVP could get some much-needed rest tonight, for injury management purposes. Still, the Thunder should have a favorable matchup against the Jazz, who are ranked 13th in the Western Conference with a 12-23 record.
Alex Caruso is out with a back injury, Isaiah Hartenstein is out with a right soleus strain, and Jaylin Williams is out with right heel bursitis. If Shai ends up watching from the sidelines, his fellow star teammates, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, will pick up his workload, specifically on the offensive end.
MORE: The Thunder are worse than the Wizards in this major stat recently
Role players like Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and breakout player Ajay Mitchell will be expected to receive more playing time, with Mitchell potentially moving into the starting lineup for tonight. Aaron Wiggins has a chance to increase his shot volume as well. The Thunder will have a big challenge tonight if they want to beat Lauri Markkanen and the Utah Jazz, with Markkanen averaging 27.7 points per game.
More NBA news:
- Second fan vote hurts Norman Powell’s all-star chances
- Heat should be among the favorites to acquire Trae Young
- Cavaliers' Max Strus will be out for four weeks
- Chicago Bulls' Coby White expected to sit out one game of a back-to-back
- Knicks cut former Princeton star to open roster spot