How long is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out? Abdominal strain timeline for Thunder star guard

The Oklahoma City Thunder were without reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for a short period.

ESPN's Shams Charania originally reported that the star Thunder guard suffered an abdominal strain and would be re-evaluated after the 2026 All-Star break. Oklahoma City had five games before the break without their star.

Abdominal strains are tough to treat because they can vary so much in severity. Gilgeous-Alexander has been eyeing a quick return after the All-Star break, which ran from Friday, February 12 to Thursday, February 19.

Here are the latest updates on how long Gilgeous-Alexander will be out due to his abdominal strain.

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What is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's injury?

Gilgeous-Alexander sustained an abdominal strain. The star guard played for the Thunder in the team's February 3rd win over the Orlando Magic. He played 28 minutes and finished with 20 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals.

It is unclear when during the game that Gilgeous-Alexander sustained the injury, but it sidelined him through the All-Star break. 

How long will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be out?

ESPN reported on Thursday that Gilgeous-Alexander has been cleared to make his return to action, which would line him up to play on Friday, Feb. 28 against the Nuggets.

Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined through the All-Star break and into the Thunder's first few games afterward.

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sustained an abdominal strain and will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break.

Abdominal strain recovery timeline in the NBA

An abdominal strain is a tough injury to pin down a timeline for. The severity of the injury can vary greatly, and recovery could take between one week and more than six. The most common return time is two to four weeks.