Thunder Could Miss Star vs Suns

PHOENIX -- It's a game day for the Phoenix Suns, and while they attempt to climb up the standings of the Western Conference, some help via subtraction from the other team could be on the way.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are ruling star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as doubtful with a right quad injury. The MVP candidate missed OKC's last game out after trying to play through the injury previously.

“He’s banged up, for sure. He’s not 100%. We’re monitoring it, but he’s certainly not a hundred percent. I’ll let him speak on it," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault.

"Little banged up in my quad. Since the Utah game," Gilgeous-Alexander said himself, "Just take it day by day, see how I feel when I wake up."

More from CBS Sports on his potential absence:

"Gilgeous-Alexander missed Wednesday's overtime loss to the Rockets due to a right quadriceps contusion, so it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to tolerate the pain enough to play, or if theThunder will remain cautious with his recovery process given their position in the standings. If Gilgeous-Alexander ends up being ruled out Friday, then Cason Wallace could remain in the starting lineup."

The Thunder hold a 50-22 record and are just half a game back from the West's top seed. The Suns themselves are 43-30 with the No. 7 seed in the conference.

Gilgeous-Alexander is the only regular starter listed on Oklahoma City's injury report. Opening tip is at 5:00 PM Arizona time.