The first full week following the NBA's all-star break was poised to deliver the most thrilling live basketball action of the season for Canadian fans. However, that excitement has been significantly dampened by a major announcement from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
MVP's Absence Creates Double Disappointment
On Thursday night, the Thunder revealed that reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss Tuesday's game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. This marks his sole scheduled visit to Toronto this regular season, barring an improbable NBA Finals matchup, making his absence particularly painful for local supporters.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been sidelined since February 3rd with an abdominal strain and did not participate in the all-star game. While there was initial optimism about his potential return for the Toronto matchup, the Thunder confirmed he won't be reevaluated for another week.
Continuing Trend of Missing Superstars
The Hamilton native's absence continues a frustrating pattern for Toronto basketball enthusiasts this season. He joins an extensive list of present and past NBA superstars who have been unable to play in Toronto during the 2025-26 campaign.
- Nikola Jokic
- Luka Doncic
- Kawhi Leonard
- Joel Embiid (for one of two games)
- Ja Morant
- Jayson Tatum
- Tyrese Haliburton
Gilgeous-Alexander has historically performed well in Toronto, averaging 26.5 points per game across six appearances since his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers. This season, he's been even more dominant, posting 31.8 points per game, second only to Luka Doncic among NBA scorers.
Consolation Prize in Wembanyama
While Gilgeous-Alexander's absence is disappointing, Toronto fans will still get to witness one of the league's emerging talents. Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is scheduled to play in Toronto the following night, though it's not the can't-miss doubleheader originally anticipated when the schedule was released.
Wembanyama represents a significant consolation prize. The young star had an impressive all-star weekend in Los Angeles, forcing his fellow all-stars to elevate their games, and remains one of the NBA's most unique and compelling attractions.
Memorable Toronto Performance
In his only previous appearance in Toronto, Wembanyama delivered a spectacular performance that basketball historians won't soon forget. He recorded 27 points on efficient 10-for-14 shooting, complemented by 14 rebounds and an astonishing 10 blocks.
This remarkable triple-double with double-digit blocks places him in elite company. Since 2010, only 12 games have featured a player achieving a triple-double with at least 10 blocks, making Wembanyama's Toronto debut truly exceptional.
Recent History Between Teams
The Raptors previously stunned the Thunder in Oklahoma City back in January, limiting Gilgeous-Alexander to 24 points without a single three-pointer. That victory handed the defending champions their first consecutive home losses since early 2023, demonstrating Toronto's capability against elite competition.
Gilgeous-Alexander's injury comes after he was named Postmedia's athlete of the year for 2025, highlighting his significance to Canadian sports. His absence from the Toronto game not only disappoints fans but also represents missed revenue opportunities, as tickets for his lone appearance were among the season's most expensive.
The situation underscores the challenges Canadian basketball fans face in seeing top NBA talent live, with injuries and scheduling often conspiring to keep the league's biggest stars away from Toronto's court.
