Photo: Oklahoma City Thunder/YouTube

With a matchup against the injury-depleted Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder have opted to rest their star guard and MVP contender, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

According to ESPN, the team officially ruled Gilgeous-Alexander out, citing rest as the reason for his absence.

His decision to sit out will not affect his MVP eligibility, as he has already appeared in 66 games this season—one more than the minimum required to qualify for postseason awards.

In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder will also be without key contributors Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort, both sidelined with hip injuries.

Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein (back) and Cason Wallace (shoulder) are listed as questionable for the game.

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