Gilgeous-Alexander has been given a day-to-day designation and will not play in Tuesday's preseason opener against the Pelicans. The Thunder host New Orleans at 8:00 PM ET without their leading scorer available.
What happened
The NBA injury report listed Gilgeous-Alexander as day-to-day on Monday, Oct. 5 at 2:02 PM ET, with a designation of not injury related. He had not previously appeared on the report this preseason. Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports that Gilgeous-Alexander will not play in Tuesday's preseason opener against the Pelicans. The report lists an expected return date of Oct. 7.
What it means for the Thunder
Oklahoma City opens its preseason slate Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET against the Pelicans. Last season Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 33.2 minutes across 68 games. With him out, the workload figures to fall on Chet Holmgren (29.0 minutes, 17.1 points), Jalen Williams (28.4 minutes, 17.1 points) and Ajay Mitchell (25.8 minutes, 13.6 points), among others in the rotation. The Thunder are 0-0, with the 2026-27 season not yet underway, so there is no record to measure games with or without him.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Gilgeous-Alexander's status changes ahead of game day. He is listed with an expected return date of Oct. 7, which falls after Tuesday's opener. Oklahoma City continues its preseason schedule in the days that follow, and his next appearance on the report will be the first indicator of when he suits up.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing vs Pelicans?
No. He is day-to-day with a not-injury-related designation and will not play in Tuesday's preseason opener against the Pelicans, according to Clemente Almanza of USA Today.
When will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be back?
His expected return date is listed as Oct. 7, the day after the Thunder's preseason opener against the Pelicans.