Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing vs San Antonio Spurs? Exploring 2x All-Star's status for OKC's preseason opener (Oct. 7)
Following his busy offseason, OKC Thunder superstar point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will reportedly miss Monday's preseason opener against the San Antonio Spurs.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault relayed the news to reporter Nick Gallo on Sunday, noting that Gilgeous-Alexander and teammate Luguentz Dort will take additional rest days.
Both players suited up for the Canadian men's national basketball team at this summer's Paris Olympics, leading their country to a fifth-place finish. So, OKC appears to be taking extra precautions with the duo ahead of the 2024-25 regular season.
Monday's matchup at Frost Bank Center marks the Thunder's first of four preseason contests. After departing San Antonio, they will host the Houston Rockets for their preseason home opener two days later. Thus, Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort could debut in front of their home fans.
In Gilgeous-Alexander's absence, sophomore and rookie guards Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell will likely receive increased playing time against the Spurs. Meanwhile, veteran guard Alex Caruso is expected to make his OKC debut. He was one of the franchise's two major offseason additions, alongside center Isaiah Hartenstein.
However, The Thunder appear unlikely to overexert any of their veterans for a relatively meaningless exhibition outing.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander unfazed by increased expectations surrounding Thunder entering 2024-25 NBA season
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is cautiously approaching the preseason, he appears ready for the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
During media day, he touched on the growing expectations being placed upon OKC's young core after its 2024 playoff run. The Thunder finished first in the Western Conference (57-25) last season, suffering a hard-fought 4-2 second-round playoff loss to the eventual West champion Dallas Mavericks.
While many are picking OKC to win the West this season, according to the two-time All-Star, his squad remains focused on gradual improvement.
"It doesn’t change anything for us," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Our biggest focus has been always day-to-day and trying to get better every day.
"... I think that’s why we got to where we were last year, and I think us not changing that mentality and keeping that the same is in our best interest, and that’s what we’re going to continue to do," he continued.
Gilgeous-Alexander added that the Thunder are prioritizing team "bonding" entering the season to ensure they "maintain camaraderie" following their active summer.
OKC will tip off its regular-season schedule on the road against the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets on Oct. 24.
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