Vasilije Micic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Miss Thunder Preseason Game

Mark Daigneault gave an updated injury report, which included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Vasilije Micic.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is soon returning to the basketball court against an opponent other than itself as they take on the San Antonio Spurs on Monday to open up preseason play. 

The Thunder, however, is going to be without guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Vasilije Micic, according to Mark Daigneault. 

Mark Daigneault said Vasilije Micic is OUT tomorrow, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (rest) is also OUT. Micic has a sprain and is day to day.

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) October 8, 2023

Daigneault says Micic is dealing with an ankle sprain and is day-to-day. Aleksej Pokusevski, of course, remains out with his ankle sprain as well. 

This would have been Micic's first Thunder action after finally making the move from overseas basketball. That, now, will be delayed until he's back playing again. 

It's no surprise that Gilgeous-Alexander will be out in this matchup. He's entering his sixth season, coming off an All-Star and First Team All-NBA season. He's more than proven himself and can continue to develop without playing in this particular game.

For the rest of the squad, this is a big opportunity. Tre Mann will now get even more minutes at the guard position. Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams will get even more on-ball opportunities offensively. 

So, while it's unfortunate these two guys will miss the first game of preseason, there's plenty of preseason to go and this opens up for more playing time and opportunity for the 19 other guys on the court. 

Given Micic's signing this offseason, his style could mesh well when it comes to the on-court scheme, but getting game reps will be important in him picking up the system. Every game is valuable for him to immerse his game into the system and find what value he provides and where.

Still, this matchup could be fun. It'll be Chet Holmgren's first game with the Thunder not in Summer League. He'll be matching up against Victor Wembanyama, playing in his first NBA game. 

It'll be interesting to see how minutes and lineups are distributed in this matchup, which is the first of many of the long NBA season. 

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