Nikola Topić, Thomas Sorber out Tuesday vs. Spurs

Both Topić and Sorber are yet to appear in a game due to injuries. Neither is worth rostering outside of dynasty formats.

Topić and Sorber remain out, and neither has a concrete return timeline. Until the Thunder announce something, they should be considered out indefinitely. Only roster both in dynasty leagues.

The important thing to note is that this isn’t because they’re still hurt, but rather because the Thunder want to bring them along slowly since both are returning from multiple injuries. While they are both exciting young prospects that could make an impact for OKC in the future, it is unlikely that either will play a significant role this season due to how much depth they have.

After attempting six shots in his first summer appearance with the Thunder, Stirtz was more aggressive on Monday. Unfortunately, he shot 1-of-7 from beyond the arc in a rather forgettable effort. His chances of offering any fantasy value next season depend on injuries to Thunder guards ahead of him in the rotation. If Nikola Topić continues to struggle with health issues, that may be where Stirtz’s minutes come from during his rookie campaign.

Sorber, the 15th overall pick in the 2025 draft, missed the entire 2025-26 season after suffering a torn right ACL in early September. The good news is that Wednesday’s arthroscopic procedure is considered minor, and the rookie is expected to resume basketball activities in four weeks. Due to the timeline, Sorber won’t play in Summer League, missing out on valuable live reps. Once the season begins, he’ll look to earn minutes in a center rotation once again led by Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Topić, who missed the entire 2024-25 season with a torn ACL, did not make his NBA debut until February 12 after undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. According to the Thunder, Saturday’s lumbar procedure was “minimally invasive.” While he will not participate in summer league, the second-year guard is expected to be a full go when training camp opens in late September. Topić’s chances of cracking the rotation depend on what happens in free agency, as Luguentz Dort has a team option for next season worth just over $17.7 million.

Topić got his second straight start, which allowed him to record his second straight double-double. Having been diagnosed with cancer in October, Topić miraculously made his NBA debut in February, but he played a limited role up until the last two games. He still has plenty of upside, and he’ll likely be in the rotation for OKC next season. However, he won’t see the floor much during the playoffs.

Dort, who needs to play in one more game to be eligible for postseason honors, is the lone starter available for Friday’s game. Of the four replacements, McCain and Wiggins offer the highest ceilings for those in active fantasy leagues.

Topić began chemotherapy treatments in late October after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. While he will be available to play on Monday, the rookie still does not have a return timeline for NBA games. Topić is unlikely to affect redraft leagues this season, but he should still be rostered in dynasty leagues.

Topic had to undergo a testicular procedure in the offseason, and Presti revealed that the procedure was a biopsy to determine if the 20-year-old had cancer. Unfortunately, the results came back that Topic was indeed dealing with testicular cancer. Topic has begun chemotherapy treatment, and Presti said that the medical team is confident that he will make a recovery. Obviously, there has been no discussion about his timeline to return to the court, and the main goal is simply to ensure his health and well-being.