Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss his first game of the season on Sunday when the Thunder face the Jazz in Utah, tweets Clemente Almanza of Thunder Wire. Gilgeous-Alexander is dealing with bursitis in his left elbow, per the team.
The superstar guard is one of seven Oklahoma City players who will be out Sunday. Others include rotation members Luguentz Dort (right adductor strain), Alex Caruso (right quad contusion), Isaiah Joe (left knee soreness) and Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain).
Here are more injury notes from around the NBA:
- Suns head coach Jordan Ott provided an update on star guard Devin Booker on Friday, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic (Twitter video link). Booker is recovering from a right groin strain and could return for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal at Oklahoma City. “We’ll continue to assess him day-by-day, but he’s been through this before,” Ott said. “So he knows exactly where he’s at and his body and he’s made good progress in a short amount of time. … If his body is feeling good and he’s in a good place, he’ll absolutely be available (Wednesday).”
- Speaking to the media on Saturday, Bulls lottery pick Noa Essengue said his season-ending left shoulder injury was a dislocation, as K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network relays (via Twitter). The French forward added that he dislocated the same shoulder a couple of years ago and his surgery is scheduled for Wednesday.
- Kings point guard Dennis Schröder was out again last night in Miami due to a right hip flexor strain, notes Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee (Twitter link). While Schröder’s strain is “mild” and he’s considered day-to-day, he has now missed five straight games, having last suited up on Nov. 24 vs. Minnesota.
What? The Thunder have 7 players out for a game. They must be getting old. Time for a rebuild.
What’s even grosser is they are 10 point favorites on the road all be it at Utah
What a cake schedule.
Smh
Essengue having shoulder surgery. And being shut down for year. Is the right decision. Best to let the youngster get healthy and stronger.
Makes me wonder about Landry. I know he wants to play. Cause he was having his best year. But having surgery could have made him ready for playoffs. Now its kind of touch and go. I hope he’s good at end.
I look at a guy like Dillingham. Who has real talent. But won’t develop on the bench. He needs to be playing in G-league. Considering TWolves need help now at PG. Can they afford to wait on Dillingham??
Schroder is a PG that can help now. I would consider trading for him.
Dillingham and Conley to Kings
Schroder and a future #1 to TWolves