Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns vs Minnesota Timberwolves

The Oklahoma City Thunder hit the road going North to Minnesota to begin a two-week five-game road trip that will span five-playoff teams across four timezones in the next 11 days. This is the perfect time for the OKC Thunder to get Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back after his one-game absence due to a hip injury suffered in New Orleans on Monday.

The OKC Thunder are getting back their superstar point guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as veteran big man Mike Muscala who has been sidelined for over a week with a fractured pinky. The Minnesota native will make his return against his hometown Timberwolves.

The Wolves will be without star big man Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as Taurean Prince, though they do see Jordan McLaughlin return who was previously listed as questionable.

The Oklahoma City Thunder head to Minnesota to tip off an 11-day road trip as the Thunder get Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back after a one-game absence

The Minnesota Timberwolves are even at .500, sitting with an 11-11 record trying to navigate life without Karl-Anthony Towns while integrating Anthony Edwards with All-Star big man Rudy Gobert.

Minnesota is 6-4 in their last ten games, and these two teams have already matched up twice this season with the Timberwolves beating the Thunder in both matchups, a season-opening win in the Target Center 115-108, and spoiling the Paycom Center opener 116-106.

Oklahoma City is still outpacing their projections, with a record of 9-13, a 4-6 record in their last ten games, and on a one-game winning streak that saw them mount another 15-plus point comeback against the Spurs on Wednesday.

OKC has struggled on the road to the tune of a 3-8 record, they hope this can be the start of their road warrior turnaround.

Jalen Williams will be playing in his first game since being tabbed NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month on Thursday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was nominated for the Western Conference Player of the Month award as he continues to have a superstar season.

Chet Holmgren, who is not going to every road game this season as he rehabs his season-ending foot injury, is on the trip for this stop in his home state of Minnesota.

Be sure to check back after the game for our recap and takeaways from this contest here at Thunderous Intentions.