Oklahoma City Thunder has secured a significant rise in the 2023–24 season. With 25-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the Thunder to their first postseason appearance since the 2020 playoffs, the young OKC Thunder roster has now come of age. Moreover, the team is locked into a fierce three-way battle with the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, all opting for the first seed in the Western Conference.

Facing the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns in their next game, OKC Thunder fans are currently under an anxious wait. As the availability of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains uncertain for tonight’s crunch matchup, the Thunder listed Shai as doubtful for the game, struggling with a right quad contusion from last week’s Utah Jazz clash.

For OKC Thunder, the absence of SGA could impact their 50-22 record. Shai has been one of the standout performers of the 2023–24 season, averaging 30.4 points (3rd highest during the 2023–24 season), 6.3 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. With 2.1 steals (highest during the 2023–24 season) per game this season, these stellar performances have put him firmly in the race for this season’s MVP award. Additionally, Shai has missed just two games this season, with the Thunder suffering defeats in both.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence, would significantly impact the OKC Thunder most of their key players, like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Lu Dort, have been passed fit to face Kevin Durant & Co. later tonight at the Paycom Center. The Phoenix Suns are also dealing with a few injury issues, with starting center Jusuf Nurkić’s status questionable because of an ankle injury. Apart from Nurkic, most of Phoenix’s key players are fit.

How would the Starting Lineup and Depth Chart look for the OKC Thunder?

If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains absent from tonight’s clash, his unavailability can leave a massive hole for OKC Thunder HC Mark Daigneault to fill. With SGA more than likely to miss the game against the Suns, 21-year-old Josh Giddey could play as the point guard against Phoenix. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, most of the OKC Thunder players will retain their starting spots. Their depth chart could look something like this:

Josh Giddey has played most of his minutes as a shooting guard this season, but his passing ability and prior experience in playing the position have made him a decent backup. Moreover, Giddey, being shifted to the point guard spot, could see 24-year-old Isaiah Joe get more minutes at the shooting guard spot. Now, the OKC Thunder might start tonight’s game with Josh Giddey, Isaiah Joe, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, and Chet Holmgren.

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