2 min read • January 30, 2022
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The Thunder ruled out star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander through the All-Star break on Feb. 18-20 with a right ankle sprain.
Based on initial video of the injury last Friday night and his injury history, the 23-year-old should be able to return immediately after the break and be good-to-go.
Realistically, because it is a minor sprain with little new damage, Gilgeous-Alexander would be able to play sooner, but with a 14-34 record and a focus on their franchise player's long-term health, there is no reason for the Thunder to rush him back.
Oklahoma City has lost 7 games in a row and 12 of its last 13, heading for another high lottery pick.
Gilgeous-Alexander appeared to suffer the low inversion sprain when he stepped on Justin Holiday's foot, rolling his right ankle on a drive early in the 3rd quarter. He took and missed both free throws before hobbling off the floor and into the locker room.
The Thunder will use a combination of rookie guard Tre Mann, 3rd-year wing Darius Bazley, and veteran wing Kenrich Williams to replace Gilegous-Alexander's scoring and playmaking. They are, however, liable to play anybody on any given night, so this is not set in stone.
Gilgeous-Alexander is putting together an all-star worthy season, averaging 22.7 points with 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists on 42.4% shooting in 43 games.
The 6'6" combo guard, who signed a 5-year, $174 million contract last summer, missed 2 games with a sprained right ankle last November. He also missed the final 29 games of the 2020-21 season with a torn plantar fascia in his right foot.
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