Nikola Topic was listed day-to-day on Friday's injury report with a back and torso issue, after sitting out Thursday's preseason game against Houston. The Thunder guard is now tracking toward a possible return when Oklahoma City visits the Spurs on Oct. 20.
What happened
The Thunder listed Nikola Topic as day-to-day on Friday, Oct. 16 at 8:23 a.m. ET, with a back and torso issue and no previous status on record. Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reported that Topic was out for Thursday's preseason game against Houston. The injury report lists his expected return as Oct. 20. No further detail on the injury's severity or how it occurred is included in the report.
What it means for the Thunder
Oklahoma City's next game is on the road at the Spurs on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 9:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on NBC/Peacock, the same date listed as Topic's expected return. Last season, the 21-year-old guard averaged 16.0 minutes, 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists over 10 games. In his absence, backcourt minutes have gone to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins. The Thunder are 0-0, with the 2026-27 regular season not yet underway, so there is no record split with or without him.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Topic's day-to-day designation holds or changes ahead of the Oct. 20 game at the Spurs. His expected return is listed as that date, which would line him up to play. Beyond that matchup, no further games are specified in his status update.
Is Nikola Topic playing against the Spurs?
He is listed day-to-day with a back and torso issue, and his expected return is listed as Oct. 20, the date of the Spurs game, so he is on track to be available barring a change in status.
When will Nikola Topic be back?
The injury report lists his expected return as Oct. 20, 2026.