Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back against Boston, missed Orlando game

The Oklahoma City Thunder sat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander last night due to ankle soreness against the Orlando Magic. The OKC Thunder were able to fall to the Magic helping them make a dent in the reverse standings on their quest for a bottom three record in the NBA to have the highest odds at the top overall selection in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Mark Daigneault mentioned pregame in Orlando that while he was ruling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out for their first matchup against the Eastern Conference foe, the hope was the Oklahoma City Thunder max contract point guard could play on the second night of the team’s back to back as the Thunder return home to the Paycom Center in downtown Oklahoma City to welcome in the Boston Celtics.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns to the lineup against the Boston Celtics, after missing the contest against the Orlando Magic. Other late scratches for Oklahoma City

The OKC Thunder head coach, Mark Daigneault, was correct Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has returned to the starting lineup tonight against the Boston Celtics after dealing with that sore ankle. The Orlando Magic come to Bricktown on Wednesday following an off day on Tuesday, it is unclear if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will play against the Magic despite having an off day before and after that contest. Those off days make it harder for the Thunder to hold out their star guard.

The Oklahoma City Thunder bench boss also added Olivier Sarr to the injury report, he is out with the flu. His frontcourt mate Darius Bazley was questionable before tip-off with flu-like symptoms but after a negative test, he is available tonight for OKC.

The Thunder are still without Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, Mike Muscala, Ty Jerome, Kenrich Williams, Derrick Favors, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl tonight against the Celtics.

For Boston, Aaron Nesmith is questionable while Robert Williams, Marcus Smart, and Matt Ryan are out for the C’s.