Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is once again on the injury report. The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.
While Thunder fans were eager to see Gilgeous-Alexander consistently back in action, he will miss a game again. He had just played two contests after missing nine straight, scoring at least 30 points in each. A Thunder insider recently provided an update on SGA’s injury status.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Out Again
On Feb. 3, Gilgeous-Alexander suffered an abdominal strain against the Orlando Magic. The injury forced him to miss nine consecutive games, as well as what would have been his fourth All-Star Game.
On Friday, SGA made his long-awaited return against the Denver Nuggets. Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a dominant performance in a hard-fought overtime battle, scoring 36 points with 9 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in a 127-121 Thunder victory.
His momentum continued Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, when he posted 30 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals in a 100-87 win.
Given his performances since returning, few expected Gilgeous-Alexander to reappear on the injury report. However, Thunder insider Clemente Almanza revealed the team has decided to sit him out.
According to Almanza, SGA will miss Tuesday’s game against the Bulls due to injury management. The Thunder will also be without Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Thunder injury report for tomorrow’s game against the Bulls:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain injury management) is out
Jalen Williams (hamstring strain) is out
Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus injury management) is out
Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain, ankle sprain) is out…— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 2, 2026
With the Bulls sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference, it is likely the coaching staff is using the opportunity to rest players and preserve energy for more critical matchups as the playoffs approach.
In the high-octane clash against the Nuggets, Gilgeous-Alexander sat out the overtime period to adhere to his minutes restriction. While the Thunder came out on top, the reigning MVP said he did not like sitting out high-stakes moments.
“I hate watching pressure moments when I’m not in them,” Gilgeous-Alexander said (per The Oklahoman). “I hate it. I hate it. It’s not that I don’t have faith in my teammates or anything like that. I just can’t stand the pressure when I’m not involved. When I’m involved, I love it. But when I’m not involved, I hate it.”
Other reports suggest Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to return on Wednesday against the New York Knicks, one of the league’s top teams. Facing the Knicks would require the Thunder’s key players.
As of now, Oklahoma City remains atop the Western Conference standings with a 47-15 record. To secure the No. 1 seed, the Thunder must continue winning, as the second-place San Antonio Spurs (43-17) are closing the gap.
