After an incredible 24-1 start, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have seen their torrid pace slow down significantly.
The Thunder are now 42-14 and just 2.5 games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs for the top seed in the Western Conference, and have conceded the league’s best record to the 41-13 Detroit Pistons. A big reason for their struggles has been injuries, specifically one to their best player.
Thunder Still Need To Wait for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander To Return
The Thunder gave an update on Gilgeous-Alexander, and although it doesn’t look like anything is seriously wrong, they were probably hoping for something a little more concrete.
“Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and guard Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain) will be both be re-evaluated in approximately one week,” reports Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and guard Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain) will be both be re-evaluated in approximately one week.
Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 19, 2026
The news for Jalen Williams isn’t ideal either.
“Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks,” says Scotto.
Williams injured his hamstring earlier in February and hasn’t seen the floor since a 136-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns on February 11.
The Thunder have a lot of talented players and should be able to tread water until they get healthy, but with their once massive lead in the Western Conference slipping, they are in real danger of losing out on the West’s top seed.
Thunder Trying to Overcome Recent Struggles
Head coach Mark Daigneault didn’t sugarcoat their recent play.
“We started 24-1. Since that point to now, I actually think that stretch has probably been better for us than starting 24-1 and kind of cruising in a rhythm the way that we were early,” Daigneault said.
“I’m happy we played well. It obviously gave us a good cushion and positioned us well as we come down the stretch. But in terms of building the best team we can be, and strengthening ourselves, improving through the season, we’ve had to face adversity.”
Daigneault didn’t use injuries as an excuse, but did acknowledge that the Thunder have had a lot of issues they’ve had to deal with.
“We’ve had to solve a lot of problems,” Daigneault added. “We’ve had to be high adaptive; we’ve had to draw on a lot of different players, and a lot of different roles. And typically, that stuff is an investment, and can pay dividends down the road if you approach it the right way.”
Gilgeous-Alexander has not played since Feb. 3, when he scored 20 points, dished out nine assists, and grabbed five boards in a 128-92 victory over the Orlando Magic due to an abdominal issue.
Gilgeous-Alexander is having another MVP-caliber season, averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 55.4% from the field, 39.0% from three, and 89.2% from the free throw line.
The Thunder will be back in action on Friday night, hosting the Brooklyn Nets at 8:00 p.m. ET.
