The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to play against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, and they will welcome back the defending MVP.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been cleared to return from an abdominal strain that kept him out of the last nine games. During his absence, the Thunder (45-15), who are leading the Western Conference, went 5-4. With the San Antonio Spurs (43-16) closely trailing them, Gilgeous-Alexander’s return is a significant boost as they approach the final 22 games of the season.
Gilgeous-Alexander is looking to reclaim his title as league MVP. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that he remains a top contender for the award despite the time he missed.
Brian Windhorst Supports Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP
“He is still my MVP,” Windhorst stated when discussing Gilgeous-Alexander’s return on Friday’s edition of “Get Up.” “I think he’s had a fabulous season. Oklahoma City is a very strong opponent. While they have lost some recent games, I’ve seen their players step up. Oklahoma City is still in a great position, and I still have Shai as my No. 1.”