After beginning the season on a blistering pace, coming off of last year's championship, injuries caught up to the Oklahoma City Thunder as they've now dropped below the Detroit Pistons in the loss column for the league's best winning percentage.
As a result, the San Antonio Spurs sit within striking distance of the No. 1 seed in the conference, trailing Oklahoma City by three games.
The Thunder have dealt with countless injuries this season, to some of their main contributors, most recently Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell.
That said, the Thunder got another update on Gilgeous-Alexander's status Thursday among other players.
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, last year's MVP winner will be re-evaluated again in one week with an abdomen injury. Ajay Mitchell will also be re-evaluated in a week with a similar injury, while Williams will be re-evaluated in two weeks following a hamstring strain.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Mitchell make up three of the Thunder's top-four scorers. With that trio sidelined, Oklahoma City will have to find other ways to produce on offense. In their absence, the Thunder will likely look to Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Joe and Andrew Wiggins to handle the scoring load.
Jared McCain is also likely to see increased opportunities off the bench after being acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers at the February trade deadline.
Oklahoma City will return to action following the break Friday against the Brooklyn Nets.
After that matchup, they'll face the Cavaliers Sunday before a two-game East Coast road trip against the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons.
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- Carter Bryant reveals what happened on final dunk attempt
- Tyrese Maxey: 'I feel a lot less out of place' after second All-Star appearance
- Kon Knueppel speaks after third-place in three-point contest

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