Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing tonight vs the Los Angeles Lakers? Latest update on the Oklahoma City Thunder star's injury report (February 9, 2026)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will not play when the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, February 9, 2026. The team has ruled him out with an abdominal strain, and he is expected to remain sidelined until after the NBA All-Star break.His absence leaves Oklahoma City without its leading scorer and main ball-handler. The Thunder will rely more on their depth and defense as they prepare for a road game against a Western Conference opponent.

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing tonight vs the Los Angeles Lakers?

No. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is officially listed as out on the injury report and will not be available for this game. He is also not expected to play again before the All-Star break.The Thunder have taken a cautious approach with the injury and will wait until the break ends before deciding when he can return.

What caused Shai's injury?

Gilgeous-Alexander felt discomfort during Oklahoma City’s 128-92 win over the Orlando Magic on February 3, 2026. He finished with 20 points and nine assists in 28 minutes. Tests after the game confirmed an abdominal strain.The team decided he should miss at least five games and be reevaluated once the schedule resumes after All-Star Weekend. Oklahoma City’s first game after the break is set for February 20, 2026, against the Brooklyn Nets, which could be the earliest point for his return.

How the Oklahoma City Thunder are affected without him

Oklahoma City is still slightly favored entering the game, largely because of its defense and roster balance. Still, losing Gilgeous-Alexander changes how the team runs its offense. • Production gap: He has averaged about 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds this season while shooting roughly 55.4% from the field and 39.0% from three-point range. • Bigger roles: Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins are expected to handle more scoring and playmaking duties.

Chet Holmgren could also see more touches in half-court sets.The Thunder have already lost consecutive games without him, including matchups against the Spurs and Rockets. They committed a season-high 17 turnovers against Houston, something the Lakers may try to exploit.Thunder injury report snapshot (February 9, 2026) • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Out (Abdominal strain) • Ajay Mitchell - Out (Abdominal strain) • Thomas Sorber - Out (Recovery/undisclosed) • Jalen Williams - Expected to return vs. Lakers (hamstring)Williams’ expected return should help with scoring and playmaking, but the Thunder will still look different from their usual lineup.

What it means for the Lakers matchup

Los Angeles is dealing with its own injuries, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence removes one of the league’s toughest offensive matchups. Even so, Oklahoma City remains one of the stronger defensive teams in the West, allowing fewer than 108 points per game.His injury has also affected betting and fantasy outlooks: • Thunder moneyline and spread: Oklahoma City remains a narrow road favorite. • Player props: Holmgren, Wallace, and Joe are likely to see increased projections because of higher usage.

When could Shai Gilgeous-Alexander return?

The Thunder plan to reevaluate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after the All-Star break. If recovery goes as expected, the February 20 home game against Brooklyn is the earliest realistic target.Until then, Oklahoma City will depend on its defense, Holmgren’s impact on both ends, and shared backcourt responsibilities.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Bottom line

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out against the Lakers with an abdominal strain and is expected to miss games through the All-Star break. • The Thunder remain competitive because of their defense and depth, but the offense may not be as consistent. • Holmgren and several guards are expected to take on larger roles, while the Lakers may focus on forcing turnovers and attacking the perimeter.Also read: Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Oklahoma City Thunder? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (February 9, 2026)Oklahoma City is still capable, but it will enter this game without the player who usually leads its offense.