Shai Gilgeous-Alexander available Tuesday vs. Clippers

Tuesday update: Gilgeous-Alexander is available and will play Tuesday against the Clippers. His hip issue seems like it will be a day-to-day thing and pain tolerance will determine whether he plays or not.

Tuesday update: The Thunder have upgraded Gilgeous-Alexander to questionable, but there’s still a chance they ultimately sit him against the Clippers.

Monday update: Gilgeous-Alexander has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Clippers. Josh Giddey has also been ruled out, so look for Tre Mann and Isaiah Joe to get most of the backcourt minutes for the Thunder in this game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have ruled point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out for Sunday’s home opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a hip injury. Gilgeous-Alexander was listed as questionable heading into the day, so this is not exactly a surprise. However, it is a new injury for the guard.

Gilgeous-Alexander missed most of training camp with a knee issue, although that was expected to keep him out during the early part of the regular season. The Thunder aren’t exactly trying to win games, but Gilgeous-Alexander is a borderline All-Star who needs more playing time to develop. Oklahoma City has already committed a max contract extension to the point guard, so the team believes he’s a centerpiece for a future contending roster.

With Gilgeous-Alexander officially out, Josh Giddey likely takes over as the lead guard. Lu Dort might get some additional shots as well, although Giddey is the better play in fantasy and DFS formats.