Seems like there’s been an overcast all season long, as Thunder continues to strike time and time again. With a .824 pct, OKC has pretty much run away with the Western Conference title. They became the second team to qualify for the playoffs after the Cavs. I’d say this gives Mark Daigneault a chance to give the younger lads a chance to shine, but they have the second-youngest team in the league as of last season. But regardless, he’s decided to give star man Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a much-needed break, along with an update on Isaiah Hartenstein’s back issue.
SGA’s season has been historic. It says enough when you’re competing with Nikola Jokic in his prime for the MVP. He has the highest PPG average this season with 33. He became the second only player over the last 40 years to record 40 or more games of 30+ points in three straight seasons. The only other one on that list? Michael Jordan. If that’s your only company at the top, then you’re destined for greatness. The greatest reward for his efforts will be the Thunder’s maiden ring. But for now, he has to settle with a game’s rest, as he’s out of the 76ers clash for rest purposes.
As for center Isaiah Hartenstein, his season has gone a bit under the radar. Shai and Chet Holmgren have stolen his ‘thunder’, so to speak. He sustained a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand during pre-season, due to which his official debut came in November against the Blazers. And what do you know it- he put up a 13-point 14-board double-double in a 109–99 win. But due to a back discomfort, he’s been listed as questionable. Jaylin Williams and Branden Carlson might have to fill the void left by Hartenstein’s uncertain status.
Feb 7, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) smiles after scoring against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Other than these Shai, Jalen Williams (hip), Luguentz Dort (hip), and Ousmane Dieng (calf) are the only confirmed outs for the 76ers clash. Meanwhile, Carson Wallace joins Isaiah on the questionable list due to a shoulder problem. Despite nursing a handful of injuries, they still seem to be doing fantastic. But if their ongoing NBA investigation finds them guilty, we’ll find the real reason behind their injury management success.
5 absences for Thunder vs Blazers placed OKC in NBA crosshairs
Everyone knows about the league’s declining ratings. Ahead of the 2023-24 season, the NBA introduced a new PPP (player participation policy) aimed at combating load management and ensuring that stars were more frequently available. It’s a pretty lengthy policy, but the NBA’s website covers it perfectly. The first victims of this were the Jazz earlier this month, for their forward Lauri Markkanen missing out on numerous games due to “injury management”. They were subsequently fined $100,000 for that- an ultimatum the Thunder could face as well.
For OKC, the part of the policy they’ve allegedly failed to adhere to was the one concerning star players. According to the policy, a team can rest no more than one-star player from a game. (For purposes of the restrictions, a “star player” is defined as someone who has been an All-Star or an All-NBA selection in any of the past three seasons.) SGA and Jalen Williams fit this category for them. For breaking the rule, they might be fined $100k- just like Utah.
In their 107-89 win at home over the Portland Trail Blazers on March 7, the OKC sat out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and even reserve center Cason Wallace, citing a multitude of injury concerns. Apart from Holmgren, all of them were missing for their previous game against the Grizzlies as well. But suddenly, all 6 were available for their next game, a clash against the Nuggets at the Paycom Center. Such discrepancies have led the league’s officials to doubt the circumstances.
Dec 12, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault talks with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) between plays against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at Paycom Center. Dallas won 103-84. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Haters will be hell-bent on this being the sole cause of their success. But if the injury report reads correctly, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams’ absences could trigger a deeper look into the matter from the NBA. Do you think they can continue their form despite these absences?
The post Thunder Announces Major Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Isaiah Hartenstein Update Ahead of 76ers Game Amid Ongoing Investigation appeared first on EssentiallySports.
