Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai-Gilgeous Alexander to Miss Wednesday's Matchup Against Detroit Pistons

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the middle of a crowded race for a postseason berth, but they'll have to get by without their emerging superstar for at least one more game. Per the NBA Injury Report, the team has declared Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out for tonight's matchup with the Detroit Pistons due to a left ankle sprain.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is listed as out tonight vs the Pistons.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) March 29, 2023

Gilgeous-Alexander also missed last night's 137-134 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. The Thunder are 5-7 in games he has sat so far this year.

Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the NBA's most improved players this season, posting career bests in points per game (31.3) and true shooting percentage (.625). Still only 24 years old, he earned his first All-Star and should get serious All-NBA consideration in the coming weeks.

The Thunder have shocked many this season by clawing their way out of mediocrity and into the playoff hunt. After two straight years with less than 24 wins, they're 37-39 and 10th in the Western Conference. They have a realistic chance at the play-in tournament thanks largely to Gilgeous-Alexander's ascendant play, but they're still years away from truly fulfilling their potential. 2022 second-overall pick Chet Holmgren has yet to play a game, and the Thunder sport an unrivalled stockpile of future draft assets.

Gilgeous-Alexander's next chance to get back on the court will be on Friday against the Indiana Pacers.