Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly cleared to return after missing 9 games with abdominal strain

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is reportedly cleared to return to action after missing the last nine games with an abdominal strain, according to ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon. Gilgeous-Alexander is not on the Thunder's injured report for Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets.

Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds this season and is a frontrunner to win MVP for the second consecutive year. The reigning MVP has missed 11 games this season and must play at least 16 of the remaining 22 regular-season games to remain eligible for the award. Players need to play 65 games to be eligible for NBA awards.

Despite Gilgeous-Alexander's return, the Thunder still have a lot of work to do to get back from injuries. Jalen Williams has only played in 26 games this season after battling hamstring and wrist injuries at points in the season. Thunder reserve guard Ajay Mitchell has not played since Jan. 21 with an abdominal injury.

The Thunder were without most of their starting lineup and key bench players in Wednesday's loss to the Pistons. The Thunder are expected to get their starting front court back with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein expected to play against the Nuggets.

Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe are also expected to return to the lineup. Despite the Thunder's injury woes, they continue to lead the Western Conference standings at 45-15. Their depth was able to keep them afloat, with the Thunder going 5-4 in the recent games that Gilgeous-Alexander missed.