After a 25-point victory against Phoenix, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are at the top of the Western Conference, need to keep their winning ways. Despite recent developments, the NBA leader in wins will need to keep the momentum.
Why Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Miss the Bucks Game?
With the All-Star break just one game away, Oklahoma City wants to enter the weekend as healthy as possible. On Feb. 3, the reigning MVP played just 28 minutes. Diagnosed with an abdominal strain, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss tonight’s game against the Bucks. As mentioned, Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t played in nine days.
The 27-year-old looked on his way to competing to repeat as the league’s most valuable player. Averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, the point guard continues to earn praise as one of the league’s best players.
If Gilgeous-Alexander takes more time to heal, the MVP vote could be out. However, with a slight improvement upon his return, he could join an exclusive club, something that only nine players in the 79-year history of the NBA have accomplished.
For entry in the “50-40-90 Club,” a player must shoot 50% from the field, 40% from the three-point line, and 90% from the foul line. The combination of stats suggests elite proficiency across all levels of shooting. Currently, Gilgeous-Alexander shoots 55.4% from the field, 39% from three, and 89.2% from the free-throw line.
In his absence, the Thunder sport a 2-2 record with wins over the Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, while falling to the San Antonio Spurs. The defending champions, even without their leader, can still compete among the top teams in various ways. For example, while OKC does score 120.2 points per game, which ranks No. 2, they allow the fewest points per game with 108.
Where the Thunder could run into a roadblock is that their schedule will grow increasingly difficult. Right now, they hold down the No. 20 spot in strength of schedule. When the All-Star break ends and the league resumes its schedule, the Thunder face four tough games in a row. After a presumably easier game in Brooklyn, the schedule takes a competitive turn.
Their following four games see them play Cleveland, Toronto, Detroit, and Denver. Cason Wallace slides over from the two-guard to fill in for Gilgeous-Alexander. While he lacks playmaking ability, Oklahoma City can still win games.
Small forward Chet Holmgren and swingman Jalen Williams look to pick up the slack, combining for 35 points. With no timetable for Gilgeous-Alexander’s return, Oklahoma City will need to figure out how to keep winning without its star.
