Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, has been cleared to return for the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing the last nine games due to an abdominal strain and is not on the injury report for the upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets. While he is expected to play, he may face a minutes restriction as the Thunder currently lead the Western Conference, sitting just two games ahead of San Antonio. Without SGA, the Thunder went 5-4, though they still lack All-NBA forward Jalen Williams and key player Ajay Mitchell. Concerns about SGA’s potential absence affecting his MVP candidacy have eased with his return, re-establishing him as a favorite for the award.


