Thunder guard Nikola Topic was upgraded from out to day-to-day with a back issue on Wednesday's injury report. The report lists Oct. 22 as his expected return, which puts Thursday's home game against the Nuggets in play.
What happened
Nikola Topic was upgraded to day-to-day on Wednesday's injury report, posted at 10:13 a.m. ET. The 21-year-old guard had been listed as out on Monday, Oct. 19, with a back issue. Before that, he was first listed as day-to-day on Friday, Oct. 16. The report's comment cites Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman, who reported that Topic would not play in Tuesday's season opener against the Spurs. Oklahoma City won that game without him. The report lists Oct. 22 as his expected return date.
What it means for the Thunder
The Thunder host the Nuggets on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Oklahoma City is 1-0 and first in the standings. Topic played 10 games last season and averaged 16.0 minutes, 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He has not played yet this season, so the Thunder are 0-0 with him and 1-0 without him. In the win, Alex Caruso (24.7 minutes), Ajay Mitchell (22.7), Jared McCain (22.1) and Cason Wallace (19.2) handled the backcourt minutes behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. McCain scored 20 points. Gilgeous-Alexander played 36.1 minutes and scored 32.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Topic is still day-to-day going into Thursday's game against the Nuggets. His Oct. 22 expected return date falls on that game, but no final decision on whether he plays has been announced. Two other Thunder players are on the report. Otega Oweh is out with a right Achilles injury, and Thomas Sorber is day-to-day with a right knee issue.
Is Nikola Topic playing vs the Nuggets on Thursday?
It has not been decided. Topic is day-to-day with a back issue, and the injury report lists Oct. 22, the day of the Nuggets game, as his expected return. No final decision has been announced.
When will Nikola Topic be back?
The injury report lists Oct. 22 as his expected return date. He was upgraded from out to day-to-day on Wednesday and has not played yet this season.