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EspañolOKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to return to the lineup against the Denver Nuggets at 8:30 p.m. CST Friday.
Gilgeous-Alexander missed OKC's last nine games due to an abdominal strain. The reigning MVP is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds this season on 55.4% shooting from the field (39% from deep).
Gilgeous-Alexander's return is right on time for a highly-anticipated matchup against Denver (37-22). The Nuggets have an MVP candidate of their own in Nikola Jokic, who has won the award three times in the last five seasons.
OKC (45-15) will also see the return of Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, who didn't play during a road loss to Detroit on Wednesday. Isaiah Joe is available as well after not playing in the second half of that contest due to a left glute contusion.
OKC remains without Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain and left ankle sprain) and Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain). They've missed the team's last 15 games and five games, respectively.
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set to return Friday for Thunder vs Nuggets