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The Oklahoma City Thunder got an update that could turn Thursday night into a moment fans have been waiting months to see: rookie guard Nikola Topić has been upgraded to available and can make his NBA debut against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, if coach Mark Daigneault decides the time is right.
There’s a catch, though, and it matters for both the rotation and the stakes of the night: OKC has ruled out Jalen Williams with a right hamstring strain after he re-aggravated the issue just two games into his comeback.
Topić’s story is bigger than a normal “rookie available” update. The 20-year-old first-round pick was diagnosed with testicular cancer earlier this season and began treatment, delaying the start of his year.
How to watch Bucks vs. Thunder tonight (Feb. 12): time, TV, and streaming
- Matchup: Milwaukee Bucks at Oklahoma City Thunder
- Tip time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. MT / 5:30 p.m. CT / 4:30 p.m. PT
- Where: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City)
- TV/stream: Amazon Prime Video (plus local coverage in-market)
Nikola Topić upgraded to “available” — what that actually means for OKC tonight
“Available” is not the same thing as “definitely playing,” and that’s where Daigneault’s decision becomes the news peg.
Topić is OKC’s 2024 first-round pick (No. 12 overall), a 6-foot-6 playmaking guard the Thunder have been developing carefully. But the bigger piece is the comeback: after his cancer diagnosis and treatment, Topić recently returned to game action with OKC’s G League affiliate, a key step before the team even considers throwing him into an NBA rotation spot.
From a practical standpoint, if Daigneault uses him, expect one of two paths:
- Spot minutes as a secondary ballhandler (short first-half stint, quick hook if needed)
- “Break glass” usage if OKC needs another creator because of the wing absences
Jalen Williams ruled out again: why it changes the Thunder’s plan vs. Milwaukee
Oklahoma City listed Williams out with a right hamstring strain, and multiple reports note it was a re-aggravation after his return. That’s a big deal because Williams isn’t just “a starter.” He’s one of OKC’s most important two-way wings, a key connector in their offense and a major piece defensively.
This changes a few things tonight.
- More creation pressure shifts onto OKC’s other guards, especially considering Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will also be until after the All-Star break.
- More wing minutes get redistributed (Lu Dort + bench wings), and OKC may need more ballhandling to keep the offense organized
And importantly: early reporting indicates Williams could be reevaluated after the All-Star break, which gives fans a timeline anchor and helps explain why OKC won’t rush him.
Why Topić’s possible debut is more than “a nice moment”
Topić making it to this point is a legitimate milestone: he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, began treatment, then worked his way back to playing in games. including a recent G League debut that served as a ramp-up step.
OKC’s injuries and Topic’s availability make this a big moment for the defending NBA champions:
- The moment: Topić is available tonight
- The pressure: OKC is down Williams again, so the rotation is in flux
- The decision: Daigneault has to choose whether this is the right night to open the door
Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA, MLB and NFL for Heavy.com. He also focuses on the trading card market. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson
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