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Thunder's Nikola Topić to make his NBA debut on Thursday after cancer battle

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 16: Nikola Topić #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder poses for a portrait during the 2024 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Monica Schipper via Getty Images

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić will reportedly make his NBA debut in Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, according to the team's injury report. Topić has been out since October after receiving chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The 20-year-old was assigned to the OKC Blue on Sunday and played in two G League games, averaging 14.5 points and 5.5 assists through two games with the OKC Blue. 

The 6-6 Serbian guard has yet to make his NBA debut since being drafted with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Topić missed his rookie season and essentially had a redshirt rookie season after partially tearing his ACL before the draft. He played in the Summer League and preseason before his diagnosis this year.

Topić could see real minutes in his debut. The Thunder have ruled out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for Thursday's game against the Bucks. Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell have missed time with abdominal injuries, while Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury. Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein will also rest in the team's last game before the All-Star break.

The defending champions sit atop the NBA standings at 42-13.

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