Inside The Thunder

OKC Thunder Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander To Miss First Game of Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder have announced that superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be sidelined for this contest against the Dallas Mavericks with a wrist injury that he suffered in the Thunder's blowout win over Cleveland.
Rylan Stiles|
Jan 17, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jan 17, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In this story:

Oklahoma City ThunderDallas Mavericks

The Oklahoma City Thunder made a late addition to its injury report on Friday before tip-off of their tilt with the Dallas Mavericks. Mark Daigneault entered the press conference room to announced that superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had been added to the injury report with a right wrist sprain that he suffered in Thursday's blowout win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Following the game, Thunder on SI asked Gilgeous-Alexander about his wrist, which had been wrapped during the game and post-game, to which the star said he happened in the Cavs game when he fell to the floor - but added he felt good. The Thunder head coach echoed those sentiments that Gilgeous-Alexander felt good this morning, before arriving to the arena sore and testing it out pregame. That is what warranted the questionable tag.

Ultimately, the decision was made to downgrade the Thunder star to out for tonight's game in Dallas on the second leg of a back-to-back. Aaron Wiggins takes his spot in the starting five, making the first five: Cason Wallace-Aaron Wiggins-Lu Dort-Jalen Williams-Jaylin Williams for this game.

Kyrie Irving, entered the game as questionable with a back injury, is announced as playing and in the Mavericks starting five. Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II remain out.

This marks the first game that the MVP front-runner has missed this season for the 34-6 Thunder.

Want to join the discussion? Like Thunder on SI on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.

Published
Rylan Stiles
RYLAN STILES

Rylan Stiles is a credentialed media member covering the Oklahoma City Thunder. He hosts the Locked On Thunder Podcast, and is Lead Beat Writer for Inside the Thunder. Rylan is also an award-winning play-by-play broadcaster for the Oklahoma Sports Network. 

Share on XFollow Rylan_Stiles
Home/News