SGA Cleared for Friday Return After Abdominal Strain

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been removed from the injury report and is cleared to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder's lineup Friday against the Nuggets, after missing nine games with an abdominal strain. He is expected to have some minutes restrictions. Gilgeous-Alexander, a frontrunner to repeat as MVP, is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and shooting 39% from three this season. His return comes in time to qualify for postseason awards and help the Thunder maintain their top seed.