Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder's star guard and NBA's top scorer averaging 31.6 points per game, sat out against the Dallas Mavericks due to a sore right wrist. This marked his first absence of the season. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault confirmed that Gilgeous-Alexander reported the injury upon arrival at the arena. Previously, he delivered a stellar performance with 40 points and eight assists in a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks are looking to strengthen their roster, eyeing veterans like Klay Thompson for crucial playoff performance, as indicated by GM Nico Harrison. The team has faced challenges this season, struggling with injuries and inconsistencies that have affected their performance at the halfway point of the schedule.