Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite showing promise after returning from an abdominal injury, has been ruled out of the team’s Tuesday game against the Chicago Bulls. This absence also extends to the first game of the Thunder’s back-to-back schedule, with Gilgeous-Alexander potentially making a return for Wednesday’s contest versus the New York Knicks. His recovery remains closely monitored as he prepares for the upcoming games.
Additional Thunder Players Listed as Injured Ahead of Bulls Matchup
Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, starting center Isaiah Hartenstein will also miss the Tuesday clash, remaining sidelined with a calf injury. Hartenstein briefly returned on Friday but missed overtime in the Thunder’s 127-121 victory over the Denver Nuggets and will be unavailable again against Chicago. Other absentees include Jalen Williams (right hamstring), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain and left ankle), and Branden Carlson (low back strain). Meanwhile, Nikola Topic continues his assignment with the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue.
Performance Highlights Before Return from Injury
Before being ruled out, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an impressive outing on Sunday, scoring 30 points with 12-of-20 shooting, in addition to contributing five assists, four rebounds, and four steals. His efforts helped the Thunder secure a 100-87 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on the road, improving the team’s record to 47-15.
Gilgeous-Alexander Reflects on Recovery and Current Condition
After the win against the Mavericks, Gilgeous-Alexander shared his thoughts about his physical state after playing the first two games back from injury. When asked by reporters how he felt, he said,
“I ramped up the workouts leading up to the games I knew I was coming back. The guys that helped me in the workouts did a pretty good job of making them game legs. So, I feel pretty good. Cardio-wise, I don’t feel like I missed a beat.”
These remarks confirmed his positive mindset despite the ongoing injury challenges.
Impact of Absences and Expectations Moving Forward
The absence of Gilgeous-Alexander and Hartenstein in Tuesday’s game poses a challenge for the Thunder as they face the Chicago Bulls. However, with key players like Gilgeous-Alexander expected to return shortly, the team maintains hope for continued success. Keeping important contributors healthy remains a priority for Oklahoma City as they navigate a critical phase of the NBA season.
SGA (abdominal strain/injury management) & Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus/injury management) are ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Bulls.
Jalen Williams (right hamstring), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain; left ankle) & Branden Carlson (low back strain) remain out, per…
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) March 2, 2026
