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Topic Debuts Amidst Thunder Injury Woes
13 Feb
Summary
- Nikola Topic makes NBA debut after ACL tear and cancer battle.
- Jalen Williams re-aggravates hamstring, out through All-Star break.
- Key starters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell, and Hartenstein sidelined.
Nikola Topic is poised to make his highly anticipated NBA debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. His journey to this moment has been marked by overcoming a torn ACL suffered before the 2024 NBA Draft and completing testicular cancer treatments earlier this year. Topic's debut offers an inspiring narrative for the franchise and its fans.
However, the Thunder are grappling with substantial injury concerns. Jalen Williams, who recently returned from a ten-game absence due to a hamstring strain, re-aggravated the injury during Wednesday's game and will be sidelined through the All-Star break. This setback adds to the team's mounting absences, as star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Sixth Man of the Year candidate Ajay Mitchell, and starting center Isaiah Hartenstein are also unavailable for tonight's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Thunder are looking to secure a victory against the Bucks before their upcoming week-long recess. This game represents an opportunity to build momentum before the All-Star break. Following this matchup, Oklahoma City is scheduled to host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, February 20, and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon, February 22.
