The Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the Indian Pacers tonight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The game will take place at the Paycom Center. While both teams have had a blistering campaign till now, it is all a thing of the past now, as performing in the finals is a different ball game altogether. However, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will still garner immense limelight. If he manages to carry forward the form he showcased throughout the season, then it will be an advantage for Oklahoma from the outset. As all eyes would be on SGA, it is imperative to note whether he will be available for Game 1 or sit out due to an injury. Let's take a look at the Oklahoma City Thunder injury report to gain clarity on the same.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Injury Report
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not listed in the injury report released by the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Pacers. Therefore, he will be available and will be in the starting lineup.
Having already won the MVP award; it is needless to highlight the statistics he has produced this season. Nevertheless, for the record he has averaged 32.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game this season. These are beyond phenomenal figures, something which the Pacers will have to remain wary of.
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Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is free from injury concerns, the same cannot be stated about every member of the Thunder squad. Nikola Topic, who has remained out since January due to a knee injury, will miss out on the finals too.
Indiana Pacers on the other hand have three players listed in the injury report. Tony Bradley is marked as "questionable" due to a hip injury. Jarace Walker (Ankle injury) and Isaiah Jackson (Torn Achilles) will miss out on the game due to their respective injuries.
Despite the impact laid by injuries, it could turn out to be a closely contested Game 1 of the NBA finals. Playing at home, Oklahoma City Thunder will have the home support, but the Pacers won't be bothered by that. Let's see who draws first blood in the Pacers vs Thunder Game 1 showdown.