Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Injury: Thunder Star to Miss All-Star Game with Abdominal Strain

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be sidelined for at least five games, including the upcoming NBA All-Star Game, due to an abdominal strain, the team announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The injury occurred during Tuesday night’s 128-92 victory over the Orlando Magic.

The Thunder confirmed Gilgeous-Alexander will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break, with his first game back tentatively scheduled for February 20 against the Brooklyn Nets. He will miss Wednesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, as well as upcoming contests against the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks before the break.

This absence is a significant blow to the defending NBA champion Thunder, who currently hold the league’s best record at 40-11. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning Kia MVP, is the second-leading scorer in the NBA, averaging 31.8 points per game. He’s also averaging 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds, shooting 55.4% from the field and 39.0% from three-point range.

The injury interrupts a remarkable streak for Gilgeous-Alexander, who had scored at least 20 points in 121 consecutive games. He barely extended that streak to 121 on Tuesday, reaching the 20-point mark with a free throw with just 2:14 remaining in the fourth quarter before being rested for the remainder of the game. He now trails only Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record of 126 consecutive 20-point games by five.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence also impacts the upcoming All-Star Game. He was selected as a starter for the World team but will be unable to participate, prompting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to name a replacement. Rockets center Alperen Sengün and Sixers center Joel Embiid have been identified as potential candidates to fill the roster spot.

Despite the injury, Gilgeous-Alexander’s awards eligibility shouldn’t be affected, provided his absence remains within the current timetable. He has played in 49 of the Thunder’s 51 games, and missing only five games before the All-Star break keeps him well within the 12-game limit for MVP consideration. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, a key competitor for the MVP award, has already missed 16 games and can afford no more than one additional absence to remain eligible.

The Thunder are already dealing with a number of injuries. Jalen Williams has missed the last eight games with a hamstring injury, and Ajay Mitchell has been sidelined for six consecutive games due to an abdominal strain. Wednesday’s game against the Spurs will see additional players unavailable, including All-Star Chet Holmgren (lower back spasms), Lu Dort (knee inflammation), Isaiah Hartenstein (eye abrasion), and Alex Caruso (right adductor). Hartenstein had recently returned from injury and recorded a triple-double in Tuesday’s win over Orlando.

The timing of these injuries is particularly challenging for Oklahoma City, as their next four games are against Western Conference playoff contenders: the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. The team’s ability to navigate this stretch without their star player will be a key test of their depth and resilience.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury comes shortly after the Thunder acquired guard Jared McCain from the 76ers in a trade on Wednesday, suggesting the team is proactively addressing potential roster needs as they look to defend their NBA title.