Open Extended ReactionsReigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was cleared to return Thursday after missing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder's past nine games because of an abdominal strain. Gilgeous-Alexander, who is not on the official injury report, will be available for Friday's home game against the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder went 5-4 in Gilgeous-Alexander's absence after he suffered the injury during a Feb. 3 win over the Orlando Magic. Oklahoma City is still without All-NBA wing Jalen Williams and key reserve guard Ajay Mitchell. He was on track to return after the All-Star break before spraining his ankle in a workout.