Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to return for the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing nine consecutive games with an abdominal strain.

Gilgeous-Alexander was omitted from the official injury report for Friday’s clash with the Denver Nuggets and is now available to play for the Thunder, who went 5-4 during his absence.

Since sustaining the injury on February 3 in a victory over Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City’s lead atop the Western Conference has been cut to two games by the San Antonio Spurs, who entered Thursday riding a 10-game winning streak.

Gilgeous-Alexander is posting averages of 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, maintaining his status as a frontrunner to repeat as MVP.

The Thunder will still be without Jalen Williams and key reserve Ajay Mitchell, but the return of Gilgeous-Alexander represents a major lift for a team that faced the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday without four of its leading scorers — Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Mitchell, and center Chet Holmgren.

Isaiah Hartenstein was also absent, while Isaiah Joe and Branden Carlson exited early with injuries, allowing Detroit to build a sizable lead and secure the win.

Holmgren, Hartenstein, and Joe are all expected to be available for the showdown with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.