Still “hope” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can return for OKC season opener

The Oklahoma City Thunder have re-evaluated Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MCL injury that he suffered a few days before training camp, and Mark Daigneault offered an update before the team’s third preseason game on Thursday. The bench boss went into detail about Gilgeous-Alexander’s rehab process, while also offering updates on other injured players.

The OKC Thunder are currently without Chet Holmgren, who is lost for the season with a foot injury, as well as Lu Dort (concussion), Mike Muscala (ankle), Jalen Williams (strep throat), Ousmane Dieng (knee contusion), and the aforementioned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault goes into detail on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rehab and still has hope the star will return on opening night.

The Oklahoma City Thunder offered an update on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is currently sidelined with a grade two MCL injury. Gilgeous-Alexander is currently doing one on none work during his rehab process, no contact as of yet. The Thunder star guard was working on free throws and jump shots before the game tonight against the 36ers.

When asked if there is still hope that SGA can play in the OKC Thunder season opener on October 19th in Minnesota, Mark Daigneault said “yes, there is still hope.” 

Mark Daigneault also commented on Mike Muscala, ruling the ten-year veteran out for the remainder of the preseason with an ankle sprain. Jalen Williams also missed this game with strep throat, his status for Sunday’s fourth preseason game is still up in the air.

Ousmane Dieng, who has had a phenomenal preseason defensively, missed this preseason game against the 36ers due to a knee contusion, but there is no timeline for his return. It could be Sunday, optimistically, but it does not seem too serious as Dieng was out working on his jump shot two hours before the game.