CHICAGO (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder held star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out of Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls to manage an abdominal strain that sidelined him for most of last month. The reigning MVP had played the previous two games after missing nine in a row.

The Dallas Mavericks play the Chicago Bulls on January 10, 2026, at the United Center. Injuries on both sides have changed the shape of this game. What was expected to be a fast, open matchup now looks more like a test of depth and decision-making.

The Oklahoma City Thunder may be without multiple key players in Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the defending champions with a game-high 30 points on 12-of-20 shooting, to go along with four rebounds, five assists, four steals and one three-pointer in 33 minutes of action.

In what could be an NBA Finals preview, the Thunder travel to Madison Square Garden to face the Knicks. Here's how to watch and what to know.